India PM Modi addresses Lok Sabha on Iran war — 375,000 Indians evacuated from Gulf, 'situation is worrisome'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) on March 23 in his first formal parliamentary statement on the US-Israel war on Iran. **Key statements:** - 'The situation is worrisome' - '3.75 lakh [375,000] Indians have safely returned from the Gulf region' - More than 1,000 Indians returned from Iran specifically - 'India is trying to procure oil and gas supplies from wherever possible' - 'We must speak in one voice' — calling for parliamentary unity - 'Security and safety of Indians has been our priority' **Context:** India has roughly 8–10 million citizens working in the Gulf region, making it the most exposed major power in terms of diaspora. Modi's address came a day after the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security met to review the conflict's impact on energy supplies, fertilizers, and shipping. India imports ~85% of its crude oil, with Gulf states accounting for the majority. India has maintained formal neutrality in the conflict while quietly working diplomatic channels with both Iran and the US. Modi's Lok Sabha statement marks the first time India's parliament has formally addressed the war, signalling growing domestic pressure on the government to act on energy security and diaspora protection.