Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia following coordinated US-Israel airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent escalation across the region.
The meeting was held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister’s official residence, shortly after his return from a two-day visit to Puducherry and Madurai.
According to an official statement, the CCS was briefed on the air strikes in Iran on February 28 and the subsequent escalation, including attacks in several Gulf countries. The committed expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region.
The CCS also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and students appearing for scheduled examinations, as well as the broader implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities.
“The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments. It underscored the importance of an early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement added.
Senior ministers and officials present at the meeting included Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
(With agency inputs)
