New Delhi, Mar 24 (KNO): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a serious global energy crisis, disrupted key trade routes, and raised concerns over the safety of Indians in the region, including crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing Rajya Sabha, PM Modi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “Attacks on commercial vessels and obstruction of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. India has condemned attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and energy and transport facilities. Any threat to human life runs against the interests of humanity.”
He said more than three weeks into the conflict, the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has become challenging, with many vessels stranded and a large number of Indian crew members among them. “India is working through diplomatic channels to ensure safe passage of Indian ships despite the prevailing situation,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister said around one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, making their safety and livelihoods a major concern. Since the outbreak of hostilities, over 3.75 lakh Indians have been brought back to the country, including more than 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.
He said countries in the region have assured security for Indians on their soil, while noting that there have been casualties and injuries among Indian nationals, with assistance being extended to affected families.
PM Modi said he has held two rounds of phone conversations with heads of state of most countries in West Asia and that India remains in constant contact with Gulf nations, as well as Iran, Israel and the United States. Discussions have focused on de-escalation, restoration of peace through dialogue, and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the conflict has affected the supply of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilisers. The government is making efforts to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue to reach India from multiple sources. In recent days, ships carrying crude oil and LPG have arrived from various countries, he said, adding that such efforts will continue.
The Prime Minister said India has expanded its energy sourcing from 27 countries earlier to 41 countries now, covering crude oil, LNG and LPG. Strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 53 lakh metric tonnes have been developed, with work underway to increase this to over 65 lakh metric tonnes. Oil companies are maintaining adequate stocks of petrol and diesel, he said.
He said the government is also focusing on increasing the use of piped natural gas alongside LPG and boosting domestic production. Steps are being taken to reduce dependence on foreign-flagged vessels, noting that over 90 per cent of India’s oil is transported on such ships. A mission worth about Rs 70,000 crore has been launched to build ships domestically and strengthen shipbuilding and maintenance capacity.
PM Modi said India is working to build self-reliance across sectors, including defence manufacturing, life-saving medicines, and critical minerals.
He said an Inter-Ministerial Group is reviewing the evolving situation regularly, while seven empowered groups have been set up to deal with supply chains, fuel, fertilisers, gas, and inflation, similar to arrangements made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On agriculture, he said adequate preparations have been made to ensure fertiliser availability during the sowing season and that farmers will not bear the burden of the crisis. He said the government remains committed to supporting farmers in addressing challenges arising from global disruptions.
The Prime Minister called on state governments to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and timely distribution under welfare schemes such as the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. He also asked states to remain vigilant against hoarding and black marketing and to take proactive measures to support migrant workers and vulnerable sections.
He said the situation requires coordinated action between the Centre and states, recalling cooperation during the COVID-19 period. The evolving crisis, he said, demands preparedness, restraint, and a unified approach.
PM Modi said the government is closely monitoring developments and is working with short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to address the impact. He said India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and expressed confidence that coordinated efforts will help the country navigate the situation—(KNO)