New Delhi: Speaking in Parliament on Monday about the “unprecedented challenges” India faces due to the West Asia conflict, PM Modi underlined the country’s opposition to attacks on civilians and energy and transport infrastructure, and said attacks on commercial ships and disruptions to international trade are unacceptable.Modi said that as far as diplomacy is concerned, India’s role is clear. He said, “We have expressed our deep concern about this conflict from the beginning. I have also spoken to all representatives of West Asian countries. I have urged everyone to de-escalate and end this conflict.” The PM said India continues to make efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships through diplomacy, adding that Iran has already allowed several Indian ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz.On the challenges facing India, he said the war has created “unprecedented economic, national security and humanitarian pressures”. He said India has “extensive trade relations with belligerent and war-affected countries, the conflict zone straddles important trade routes, and a large portion of India’s crude oil and gas needs are met by the region.” news networkPM: In touch with partners to ensure maritime securityThe PM said that India has always raised its voice for the benefit of humanity and peace and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to the problems of West Asia. “No one’s life should be at risk in this war in the interest of humanity. Therefore, India’s endeavor is to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful solution as soon as possible,” he said in his first statement on the crisis in Parliament.Modi said, after the war started, movement of ships through the strait had become difficult. He also recalled his interactions with leaders of the GCC and other West Asian countries.Modi said, “There are efforts to continue to source oil and gas wherever possible. The Indian government is constantly monitoring the shipping routes in the Gulf. Our efforts are to ensure the safety of all essential goods like oil, gas and fertilizers. We are in constant touch with our international partners to ensure the safety of our sea corridors. Due to such efforts, many of our ships have visited India in the last few days.”Drawing attention to the nearly ten crore Indians living and working in the Gulf countries, as well as the significant number of Indian crew members aboard commercial ships in those waters, Modi said, “India’s concerns are naturally high, and therefore, it is essential that a united and unanimous voice from the Parliament of India goes out to the world on this crisis.”External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that India would focus on talks with Iran to facilitate the movement of its ships. This was amid US President Donald Trump’s efforts to build a coalition to deploy warships in the strait, an idea that won little popularity even with America’s allies.