PM Modi Flags West Asia War Impact | Energy Crisis, Evacuations & India’s Big Response

Mint
MintMar 24, 2026

Why It Matters

The war‑driven energy squeeze threatens India’s industrial output and food security, making the government’s diversification and supply‑chain safeguards critical for business continuity and economic stability.

Key Takeaways

  • War in West Asia triggers global energy and fertilizer shortages
  • India evacuated over 375,000 citizens, prioritizing safety abroad
  • Delhi seeks diplomatic channels to keep Indian vessels moving safely
  • Strategic diversification expands energy imports from 27 to 41 countries
  • New inter‑ministerial task forces target supply chain resilience amid crisis

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, warning that the protracted war in West Asia has ignited a worldwide energy crunch and jeopardised Indian commercial interests. He outlined the government’s dual response: evacuating Indian nationals and crew members stranded on vessels, and mobilising diplomatic channels with Gulf states, Iran, Israel and the United States to safeguard maritime traffic and restore trade routes.

Modi highlighted that the conflict has disrupted the flow of crude oil, diesel, LPG, gas and fertiliser, inflating domestic prices and threatening agricultural inputs. Over 375,000 Indians have been repatriated, including more than 1,000 from Iran, while Indian crews remain trapped on merchant ships. To counteract supply shocks, New Delhi has broadened its energy import basket from 27 to 41 supplier nations, bolstered strategic petroleum reserves to over 5.3 million metric tonnes, and accelerated domestic refining capacity.

The Prime Minister cited concrete measures: a ₹70,000 crore ship‑building and maintenance drive, the creation of seven empowered inter‑ministerial groups to monitor fuel, fertilizer and logistics, and the expansion of LPG‑to‑PAG domestic gas conversion. He also referenced the strategic stockpiling of oil and diesel, and the push for “Make‑in‑India” defence and pharmaceutical ecosystems to reduce reliance on foreign APIs.

Modi concluded that the crisis tests India’s resilience, urging states to cooperate in ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential goods and protecting vulnerable workers abroad. The emphasis on self‑reliance, diversified imports and rapid policy coordination signals a long‑term shift in how Indian businesses will navigate geopolitical volatility.

Original Description

India is closely watching the escalating West Asia conflict as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, highlighting its serious global and domestic impact. He warned of a growing energy crisis and disruptions in key supply chains affecting fuel, gas, and fertilizers.
The government has prioritised the safety of nearly one crore Indians in the Gulf, evacuating over 3.75 lakh citizens so far. Modi stressed ongoing diplomatic efforts with regional leaders to ensure peace and secure maritime routes.
To counter risks, India has diversified energy imports and activated emergency monitoring systems to manage inflation and essential supplies.
#Modi #WestAsiaCrisis #India #EnergyCrisis #Iran #GlobalEconomy #Evacuation #BreakingNews
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