Kharge seeks Rajya Sabha debate on India’s energy security amid West Asia turmoil

Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday urged the Upper House to hold a short-duration discussion on emerging threats to India’s energy security in light of the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Highlighting the recent Rs 60 hike in domestic LPG cylinders and the Rs 115 surge in commercial gas rates , Kharge said the burden of rising energy costs is falling hardest on the poor. “The fast-evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia is no longer confined to the region. Its impact on India’s energy security is evident and growing,” he said while seeking the House’s approval for a focused discussion under Rule 176.

The Congress leader pointed out that India imports nearly 55 per cent of its crude oil from the West Asian region , making the country highly vulnerable to disruptions. “This conflict is directly affecting our economic stability, international image, and even the safety of Indians abroad,” Kharge said, noting that around 1 crore Indians work in the Gulf and that India received USD 51 billion in remittances from the region last year.

Kharge’s intervention came just before External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo motu statement on the situation in West Asia. Opposition parties, including the Congress, protested, arguing that a dedicated discussion should precede any ministerial statement. Their protests escalated into slogans and a walkout during the latter part of Jaishankar’s address.

Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan said he would consider Kharge’s notice and respond in due course. The demand underscores growing concern among lawmakers about energy security, rising fuel costs, and India’s strategic interests amid global instability.