Jammu, March 19: BJP spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta on Thursday said that India has once again demonstrated its stature as a global first responder by extending humanitarian assistance to Iran amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Gupta said Iran has conveyed heartfelt gratitude to India and its people after receiving the first consignment of medical aid from New Delhi. He termed the gesture as a reflection of India’s unwavering commitment to support friendly nations during times of distress.
He noted that the assistance reached Iran at a critical juncture when the ongoing conflict in the region has disrupted supply chains, strained healthcare infrastructure, and created an urgent demand for essential medicines and medical support.
Highlighting India’s balanced approach, Gupta said that engagement with Iran has remained constructive and humanitarian despite prevailing geopolitical tensions impacting maritime routes, trade flows, and regional stability.
Turning to economic measures, he welcomed the Centre’s Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) scheme, calling it a timely step to protect Indian exporters from the adverse effects of the West Asia crisis. He said the ₹497 crore initiative would help offset rising freight charges, insurance costs, and logistical disruptions.
Emphasizing India’s consistent global outreach, Gupta recalled initiatives like Vaccine Maitri during the COVID-19 pandemic, under which India supplied vaccines and medicines to over 90 countries, particularly supporting developing nations.
He also highlighted major evacuation missions including Operation Ganga in Ukraine, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and Operation Rahat in Yemen, noting that India not only evacuated its own citizens but also assisted nationals of other countries.
Gupta further stated that India has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian aid worldwide, extending food, medicines, and disaster relief to countries affected by natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods, often with remarkable speed.
He said these efforts are guided by the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, reinforcing India’s vision of treating the entire world as one family.
“Whether it is supplying medicines to Iran, evacuating citizens from conflict zones, or safeguarding exporters through policy interventions like the RELIEF scheme, India continues to act decisively with a strong sense of global responsibility,” Gupta said, adding that such initiatives strengthen India’s position as a reliable and trusted partner on the global stage.
