Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, while addressing the Rajya Sabha, urged citizens to prepare for challenges arising from the ongoing US Iran conflict in West Asia, noting that its impact on energy supply chains and inflation could have long term consequences.
Modi said the government is working on all fronts to manage the situation and protect public interest. He added that citizens should be ready for every challenge, assuring them that although the effects of the war may last, the government remains alert and the nation’s interest is its top priority.
The Prime Minister also called on states to function as a unified team and tackle the situation as they did during the coronavirus period. He said the challenges ahead would test the country and stressed the need for proactive measures, especially to protect labourers and weaker sections. He urged states to safeguard migrant workers and remain vigilant against black marketing, ensuring such practices are prevented.
He further said that, similar to the pandemic period, the government has formed seven empowered groups to develop strategies related to fuel, supply chains, fertilisers, and inflation control.
Modi also highlighted that India is prioritising the safety of its citizens during the West Asia conflict, stating that over 3,75,000 Indians have been safely evacuated so far, including more than 1,000 from Iran. He urged all sides to pursue a peaceful resolution, emphasising that threats to human life are not in the interest of humanity. He added that India continues diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and resolution at the earliest.
He said that since the conflict began, a large number of Indians have returned safely, including over 700 students studying medicine in Iran. The government, he noted, is acting with full sensitivity during this period.
Modi added that due to the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked for ships carrying oil and gas, but India has made strong efforts to ensure that energy supplies reach its shores on time even under such challenging conditions.
He said India is using diplomatic channels to ensure the safe movement of its ships despite the ongoing conflict and reiterated that dialogue remains the preferred solution.
The Prime Minister stated that India has sufficient crude oil reserves and strong systems in place to ensure uninterrupted supply. He noted that strategic petroleum reserves have been expanded to over 53 lakh metric tonnes, with plans to increase them beyond 65 lakh metric tonnes, along with a significant rise in refining capacity over the past decade.
He assured that the government is taking all necessary measures to maintain stable energy supplies even as global trade through the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions. India, he said, is sourcing oil and gas from multiple regions, with recent shipments of crude oil and LPG already reaching the country, and efforts continuing to secure supplies from all available sources.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that India has diversified its energy imports from 27 to 41 countries over the past decade to reduce dependence on any single source. He added that the government is expanding domestic gas distribution, including piped natural gas and LPG, to strengthen energy security.
Modi concluded by stating that crises test both determination and preparedness, and noted that the steps taken over the past 11 years, especially the diversification of energy sources, have helped India manage such challenges more effectively.
