Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed Parliament for the first time since the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict in West Asia, stating that India is navigating multiple economic, security and humanitarian challenges while ensuring the safety of its citizens and stability of essential supplies.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Modi expressed concern over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, calling attacks on commercial shipping “unacceptable”. He said the government is closely monitoring key maritime routes to ensure uninterrupted supplies of crude oil, gas and fertilisers.
“The whole world is affected, and we are making efforts that India feels the effect the least,” Modi said, adding that the country’s strong economic fundamentals have helped it withstand global uncertainties.
Modi said the government has prioritised the safety of Indians in the Gulf region, with around 3.75 lakh citizens returning home since the conflict began. This includes nearly 1,000 evacuees from Iran, many of them students.
He acknowledged casualties among Indian nationals and said medical treatment and financial assistance are being extended. Indian missions in Gulf countries are operating 24x7 control rooms and helplines to assist workers and tourists.
LPG, fuel supply prioritised
On energy security, the Prime Minister said domestic LPG consumption has been prioritised amid global uncertainty. The government is also working to ensure smooth availability of petrol and diesel across the country, while preventing sharp price spikes.
He noted that India has diversified its energy imports and now sources crude oil, LPG and gas from 41 countries, reducing dependence on any single region.
"Due to uncertainty in supply, the government has prioritised domestic LPG consumers. At the same time, domestic production of LPG is also being increased. Continuous efforts have also been made to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel across the country remains smooth,” PM Modi said.
Also read: Iran charges $2m fee for Hormuz passage: Report
Farmers, food and power assured
Addressing concerns over agriculture, the Prime Minister said the government is closely monitoring fertiliser supplies and will continue to support farmers. He assured that the country has adequate food grain stocks.
Modi also said coal reserves are sufficient and power supply will remain stable despite global disruptions.
“I want to tell farmers that the government will continue to make every effort to help them,” PM Modi said in light of the West Asia conflict.
“At present, we have enough coal stocks,” he said, promising that power supply won't be disrupted.
Highlighting the broader impact of the conflict, Modi said the situation poses unprecedented challenges given India’s trade links with the region and the presence of nearly one crore Indians in Gulf countries.
He emphasised that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and called for unity in Parliament to present a collective response to the evolving global situation.
Follow us
