West Asia Crisis 2026: India Forms High-Level Panel Led by Amit Shah

India Establishes Crisis Response Team

The Indian government has formed a high-level, three-member ministerial committee to steer the country's response to the escalating conflict in West Asia. The panel is chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and includes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri. The formation of this committee signals a coordinated, 'whole of government' approach to manage the multifaceted challenges arising from the crisis, which began on February 28, 2026, following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Committee's Mandate and Objectives

The primary objective of the committee is to ensure a swift and cohesive national response. Government sources indicate that the ministers have already conducted several rounds of meetings to assess the situation. The panel will coordinate with other relevant ministries, departments, and state governments to mitigate the impact on India. Key focus areas include ensuring the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf region, safeguarding the nation's energy security, and protecting vital trade routes that have been threatened by the conflict.

Background of the Regional Conflict

The current crisis was triggered on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The situation quickly escalated, leading to retaliatory actions and spreading instability to several other Gulf states. The conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, and significant damage to regional infrastructure. This rapid deterioration has created a volatile environment, prompting immediate concern from international powers, including India, due to the region's critical importance to global energy markets and stability.

Prime Minister's Direct Oversight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the developments. He chaired a high-level meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, EAM S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan to review the situation. Earlier, on March 1, 2026, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened under the Prime Minister's chairmanship to discuss the implications of the airstrikes and formulate an initial response. The Prime Minister has instructed all concerned ministries to work in a coordinated manner to handle the crisis effectively.

India's Diplomatic Position

Addressing both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on March 9, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlined India's official stance. He reiterated that India has consistently called for all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritize civilian safety. The government's position is that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to de-escalate tensions and resolve underlying issues. Jaishankar confirmed that he has been in contact with his Iranian counterpart and that these high-level conversations will continue. He also stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region.

Key Events Timeline

Economic and Domestic Impact

The conflict poses significant risks to India's national interests. The country is heavily dependent on the region for its energy imports, and any disruption could impact oil and gas supplies. While the government has assured the public that there are no immediate shortages, it has advised against panic buying or hoarding. Reports have emerged of an LPG crunch in major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, prompting some restaurants to close or alter their menus. In response, the government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to direct refineries to maximize LPG production.

Protecting Indian Nationals Abroad

The safety of millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf is a top priority. The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory on January 5, 2026, cautioning against non-essential travel to Iran and urging those already there to register with the embassy. A Quick Response Team has been established to function on a 24/7 basis for immediate coordination and support. Every Indian embassy in the region has issued similar advisories to ensure the well-being of the Indian community.

Analysis and Forward Outlook

The creation of the Shah-led committee underscores the gravity with which New Delhi views the West Asia crisis. The inclusion of the Home, External Affairs, and Petroleum ministries reflects the three core challenges: domestic stability and coordination, diplomatic engagement and citizen safety, and energy security. While former diplomats have questioned what they term India's 'strategic silence' on certain geopolitical issues, the government's current actions demonstrate a proactive and hands-on approach to protect its interests. The committee's effectiveness will be crucial in navigating the diplomatic and economic turbulence in the coming weeks.