Lok Sabha has been adjourned till tomorrow.

Lok Sabha has resumed proceedings.

The Centre has rejected Opposition's demand to discuss the Middle East tensions and Iran war in Parliament, government sources said.

The discussion on resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is likely to begin tomorrow at 12 pm, they added.

Rajya Sabha has resumed proceedings.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament today that India had granted docking permission to an Iranian naval vessel at Kochi port on humanitarian grounds, describing the decision as "the right thing to do".

The statement came during an address in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has seen direct military engagement between Iran, the United States and Israel. 

The conflict escalated after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks on US bases in the region and Israeli targets.

Jaishankar began by addressing the specific case of the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan. He said the Iranian side had requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at Indian ports. Permission was granted on March 1. The IRIS Lavan docked at Kochi on March 4. The crew, numbering at least 183 sailors, is currently accommodated in Indian naval facilities. 

Rajya Sabha has been adjourned till 2 pm.

I rise to apprise this august House of recent developments in West Asia that are a cause of deep concern to all of us. As Hon'ble Members are aware, this round of conflict started on 28 February 2026. It has witnessed not only fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, but also attacks on a number of Gulf States. There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, as well as destruction of infrastructure in the region.

2. At the very outset, Government had issued a statement on 28 February expressing its deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. We believed and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sir, it is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected.

3. Given the gravity of the situation, the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) met on 01 March under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister. It was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran and the subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries. The CCS was concerned over the safety and security of the Indian community in the region. It also focused on the implications for regional security and for economic and commercial activities. The Committee was apprised of difficulties faced by Indian travelers transiting the region and by students appearing for scheduled examinations in these countries. It directed all concerned Ministries and Departments to take appropriate measures to respond to these problems. Hon'ble Prime Minister continues to closely monitor emerging developments and the relevant Ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.

4. The conflict has continued to intensify and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. We have noted that, in fact, the conflict spread to other nations with mounting destruction and deaths. Normal life and economic activities in the entire region are visibly affected and, in some cases, had come to a halt. We, therefore, reiterated our call on 03 March for dialogue and diplomacy and spoke up for an early end to the conflict. I am confident that the House joins me in expressing our sorrow at the loss of lives.

5. Hon'ble Chairman Sir, while any development that negatively impacts peace and security in the world is deeply troubling, this ongoing conflict is an issue of particular concern for India. We are a neighbouring region and understandably, have obvious stakes that West Asia remain stable and peaceful. There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians who are there for study or for employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas.

6. Chairman Sir, the Gulf is also a major trade partner, accounting for almost USD 200 billion annually. The House is also aware that in the last decade, there have been significant investments from the region into the Indian economy. Therefore, serious supply chain disruptions and climate of instability that we perceive are serious issues. Furthermore, these include attacks on merchant shipping where Indian nationals often constitute a large proportion of the crews. We have sadly already lost two Indian mariners and one remains missing in such incidents. I know that the House joins me in condoling their deaths.

7. Hon'ble Chairman, Government has been assessing the situation in West Asia continuously since the 12-day war in June 2025. We noted the indications of growing tension and cautioned the Indian community in Iran accordingly. On 5 January 2026, Indian nationals were advised by the Ministry of External Affairs to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Those already resident there were urged to register with the Embassy, exercise due caution and monitor the Embassy website and social media handles. A second advisory was issued on 14 January 2026 reiterating the advice to avoid travel in even stronger terms. The Directorate General of Shipping Mumbai, in parallel issued its own advisory on 14 January 2026 for Indian seafarers asking them to follow Embassy advisories and avoid unnecessary movement ashore. Recruitment and Shipping Companies were also asked not to deploy or send Indian seafarers to Iran.

8. Sir, reflecting our assessment of the evolving situation, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued another advisory on 14 February 2026 urging Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to leave Iran by all available means of transport, including commercial flights. They were asked to contact the Embassy for any assistance and provided with 24x7 helplines. This was again reiterated in strong terms through another advisory on 23 February. Some heeded these advisories and left the country; however, many others have disregarded them and remain in Iran. We are also in touch with our fishermen who operate out of Iran. This was the situation until 28 February 2026.

9. Once the conflict commenced, the Indian Embassy has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students in Tehran to places outside Tehran. An advisory update with emergency contact helplines was issued on 3 March 2026. Similarly, facilitation was extended to pilgrims for their internal movement. Indian nationals who were in Iran for business reasons were assisted to cross over to Armenia and return home. The Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational, in fact on the highest alert. They are totally committed to supporting the Indian community in this difficult moment and in assisting Indian nationals who may wish to cross international borders. Where seafarers are concerned, the Directorate General of Shipping through an order on 2 March has constituted a Quick Response Team for immediate response, coordination and support functions. This will function on a 24x7 basis.

10. Hon'ble Chairman Sir, I would also like to inform the House through you that every Indian Embassy in the region has similarly issued advisories. The Embassy in Israel did so on 28 February and 01 March, UAE on 28 February and 05 March, Bahrain on 28 February, Qatar on 28 February, Kuwait on 28 February and 05 March, Saudi Arabia on 28 February and 08 March, Oman on 28 February, Iraq on 28 February and 05 March. MEA has set up a dedicated special control room to monitor the situation and respond to queries from those affected, as well as their families. The MEA's latest update was issued on 07 March.

11. Our diplomats have also worked hard to assist stranded transit passengers in hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. They have facilitated international border crossings for Indian nationals, including from UAE to Oman and from Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Wherever there has been a partial opening of air space, we have approved and undertaken commercial flights including non-scheduled flights to enable the return of Indian passengers. Our estimate is that as of yesterday almost 67,000 of our nationals have done so. Sir, today I was informed of a handout of a information put out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation which tells us of the efforts Government is making; there were 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers which arrived in India on the 07th. On the 08th, there were 49 flights. On the 09th there are 50 flights. So I want to assure the House that every effort is being made that those who are stuck in the region, those who are transit passengers who are there, those who need to come back urgently from this region, we are making every effort for them to do so.

12. Chairman Sir, throughout this period, Government maintained close contact with the relevant countries. Hon'ble Prime Minister himself has spoken to the President of UAE, the Amir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, the King of Bahrain, the Sultan of Oman, the King of Jordan and the Prime Minister of Israel. In each case, we received assurances that the well-being of the Indian community would be a priority for the host Government. I have similarly been in close touch with my counterparts in these countries. Insofar as the United States is concerned, we have maintained regular contacts through diplomatic channels. While attempts have been made, contacts with Iran at the leadership level are obviously difficult at this time. I have, however, spoken to Foreign Minister Araghchi on 28 February and 5 March 2026. We will continue these high-level conversations in the coming days.

13. Sir, the House will also be interested in the issue of an Iranian vessel that is currently docked in Kochi. Iranian side requested permission on 28 February for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on 01 March. IRIS LAVAN actually docked on 04 March in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities. We believe that this was the right thing to do and the Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his country's thanks for this humane gesture.

14. Hon'ble Chairman Sir, In view of the implications of this conflict for our energy security, I also seek to address that particular concern. Government remains committed to ensuring that fully, taking into accountability, costs and risks of the energy markets. For us, the interests of the Indian consumer has and will always be the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation.

15. Hon'ble Chairman Sir, let me conclude by highlighting the three guiding factors of our approach:

(i) India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians.

(ii) The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our priority. We will continue to work with the Governments of the region towards that end.

(iii) Our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount.

16. I am confident that Government has the full support of this august House on this matter. Thank you.

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 3 pm amid Opposition's protests and sloganeering.

The Opposition MPs carried placards and raised slogans in the Lok Sabha as S Jaishankar spoke on the Iran war.

#WATCH | EAM Dr S Jaishankar makes a statement in the Lok Sabha on the situation in West Asia, amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs.
The Opposition MPs carrying placards and sloganeering enter the well of the House.
(Video source: Sansad TV/ YouTube) pic.twitter.com/pCFAvDr5R7

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2026

After Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaks in Lok Sabha on escalating Iran war and Middle East tensions.

Rajya Sabha Speaker congratulates Team India for winning ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

#WATCH | Rajya Sabha congratulated Team India for winning ICC Men's T20 World Cup
(Video source: Sansad TV/ YouTube) pic.twitter.com/pejNSq7yg4

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that Iran thanked India for the "humane gesture" of permitting the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi airport.

"Contacts with Iran at the leadership level are obviously difficult at this time. Iran's foreign minister has expressed his country's thanks to India for this human gesture of permitting the Iranian warship Lavan to dock at Kochi port," he said.

While the sinking of the IRIS Dena was unfolding near Sri Lanka, another Iranian warship had already sought assistance from India. The vessel, IRIS Lavan, had reported a technical malfunction while operating in the region and requested urgent docking permission. The Centre approved Tehran's request on March 1, allowing the ship to dock at Kochi port in Kerala.

"Security situation has deteriorated significantly": External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefs Parliament on the escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict#IranIsraelWar #BudgetSession #SJaishankar pic.twitter.com/dktbw6m0kU

— NDTV (@ndtv) March 9, 2026

"We are a neighbouring region, and have obvious stakes that West Asia remains stable. There are one crore Indians who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran, too, there are a few thousand Indians for study or employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas. Serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability are serious issues," S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha.

He added, "The conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. The conflict has spread to other countries with mounting destruction. Normal life and activities in are visibly affected."

S Jaishankar, during his address in the Rajya Sabha, said that PM Modi is monitoring the escalating situation in the Gulf as Iran continues its attacks. "PM Modi spoke to the heads of state of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Israel, and Bahrain. We are urging all to ease tensions," he said.

The Opposition raised massive sloganeering, causing chaos in Rajya Sabha, as S Jaishankar spoke on the Iran war and Middle East tensions.

Slogans such as "band karo" (stop it) were raised.

WATCH LIVE HERE: 

🔴 LIVE | External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefs Parliament on the escalating US-Iran-Israel conflict https://t.co/UTHPLxtlg6

— NDTV (@ndtv) March 9, 2026

External Affairs S Jaishankar, while addressing the Rajya Sabha regarding the situation in the Middle East amid the escalating Iran war, said, "Dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution".

"Developments in West Asia deep cause for concern for all of us," he added.

External Affairs S Jaishankar delivers a statement in the Rajya Sabha regarding the situation in the Middle East amid the escalating Iran war.

Lok Sabha has been adjourned till 12 pm after paying tributes to a sitting member and four former members who died recently. 

The second part of the Budget Session of Parliament has begun. It will conclude on April 2.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has given a notice to the Rajya Sabha Chairman demanding a discussion on the impact of the war on India's energy security.

The no-confidence notice against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was submitted by Opposition MPs in February and has the support of more than 100 members. Has this happened before?

No Lok Sabha Speaker has ever been removed from office, though the Constitution allows it under Article 94 through a resolution passed by a majority of the House.

Since Independence, three attempts have been made to remove a Speaker, but none succeeded. 

In 1954, MPs moved a resolution against GV Mavalankar, India's first Lok Sabha Speaker. The House debated the motion on December 18. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Leader of Opposition A K Gopalan and others spoke during the debate. MPs accused Mavalankar of disallowing questions and mishandling adjournment notices. The House later rejected the motion.

In 1966, MPs submitted a notice against Sardar Hukam Singh. They accused him of blocking questions that could embarrass the government and refusing to bring privilege notices before the House. The motion did not move forward because fewer than 50 MPs supported it.

External Affairs S Jaishankar is set to deliver a statement in the Lok Sabha regarding the situation in the Middle East amid the escalating Iran war.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the Opposition's no-confidence vote against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is "not to topple the government" but to "present one's view in Parliament".

"f more than 50 MPs support the no-confidence motion, then there will be a discussion on it. This is not the first time a no-confidence motion has been brought. When a no-confidence motion is brought against the government, it is not to topple the govt but to present one's views in Parliament," he said.

#WATCH | Delhi | On no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari says," If more than 50 MPs support the no-confidence motion, then there will be a discussion on it. This is not the first time a no-confidence motion has been brought. When a… pic.twitter.com/q9pSdmcHB2

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2026

Lok Sabha has listed for Monday a notice by Opposition members to move a resolution to remove Om Birla as the Speaker.

Once 50 members of the House stand up upon being called by the Chair, the notice will be considered as admitted. Then the resolution will be discussed and voted upon.

If 50 members do not stand in support of the notice, the resolution cannot be moved.

According to the agenda paper for Monday, the resolution is the only item listed as the business of the day.

Both the ruling BJP and the principal opposition Congress have issued whip to their respective Lok Sabha MPs to be present in the House when the issue comes up for consideration.

The numbers are heavily stacked in favour of the government which will ensure that the resolution is defeated.

The second half of the Budget session of the Parliament is set for a stormy start today, with the Opposition moving a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Opposition had filed a notice against the Speaker in the first phase of the budget session, which was signed by 118 members. 

The Trinamool Congress, at that time, had not signed the motion; however, it has now extended support.