PM Modi Reviews India’s West Asia Preparedness
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review India’s preparedness for disruptions arising from the continuing conflict in West Asia.
Modi Reviews India’s Fuel Preparedness
The meeting examined the availability of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas amid continuing risks to shipping routes and global energy supplies.
Officials informed the committee that India had diversified its LPG procurement sources and maintained adequate stocks of major petroleum products. Public sector refineries were operating at utilisation levels above 100 percent, supporting the continued production of petrol, diesel and other fuels.
The government also reviewed measures to expand piped natural gas connections, strengthen the National Gas Grid and increase LNG import and regasification capacity.
Rabi Fertiliser Supplies Under Review
The Cabinet Committee on Security assessed fertiliser stocks ahead of the Rabi agricultural season. Modi directed officials to ensure uninterrupted supplies and identify alternative import sources wherever required.
The review covered possible supply-chain disruptions affecting fertiliser availability, prices and transportation. India imports significant quantities of raw materials and finished fertilisers from international markets, making secure supply routes important for agricultural production.
The Prime Minister asked ministries and departments to coordinate closely and create a unified mechanism to monitor developments in West Asia.
Safety Mechanism Planned for Indian Seafarers
The government also reviewed the safety of Indian citizens, diaspora communities and seafarers working aboard domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict-affected areas.
Modi directed officials to establish a dedicated mechanism offering timely information, emergency assistance and counselling to seafarers and their families.
The meeting was the fourth special security committee review held on the West Asia crisis. The government has been monitoring risks to energy markets and supply chains, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
Modi also called for greater emphasis on renewable and non-fossil energy sources to reduce India’s long-term dependence on conventional fuel imports.
