Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers via video conferencing to assess India’s preparedness in view of the escalating West Asia conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The meeting focused on aligning efforts between the Centre and states to deal with the global impact of the crisis, especially on energy supply, trade routes, and the safety of Indian nationals.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister reviewed contingency plans prepared by states and stressed coordinated action under the “Team India” approach.
The discussion comes as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt key global supply chains and energy flows. The conflict, which began on February 28, has already affected oil and gas movement through critical maritime routes.
Chief Ministers of poll-bound states did not attend the meeting as the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force. Officials said a separate review will be held with the Chief Secretaries of these states through the Cabinet Secretariat.
Key takeaways
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PM expressed confidence that, working together as “Team India,” the nation will successfully overcome the situation -
PM stressed that the government’s priorities are to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, safeguard the interests of citizens, and strengthen industry and supply chains -
PM urged States to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering -
PM stressed the need for planning in the agriculture sector, particularly in monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution -
PM emphasised the need for robust coordination mechanisms at all levels to enable a quick response to evolving situations -
PM called for special attention in border and coastal States to address emerging challenges related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime operations -
PM cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, emphasising the dissemination of accurate and credible information -
CMs appreciated the steps taken by the central government under the leadership of the PM to tackle the situation -
CMs welcomed the decisions to reduce excise duty on fuel amid global uncertainties and an increase in commercial LPG allocation to states -
CMs expressed confidence that the situation remains stable, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG in their states -
CMs reaffirmed their commitment to work in close coordination with the Centre to effectively manage the situation
India tracking energy supplies, ship movement
The government said it is closely monitoring energy supplies and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global oil shipments.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is in touch with all relevant countries to ensure safe passage of its vessels.
“Four ships carrying LPG have already reached India safely after crossing the Strait of Hormuz. We remain engaged with all concerned countries to secure our energy needs,” he said.
Jaiswal added that India’s energy sourcing strategy is guided by three key factors — meeting the needs of 1.4 billion people, global market conditions, and the evolving geopolitical situation.
Earlier all-party meet, Centre forms strategy groups
The Centre has stepped up consultations on the crisis. Earlier this week, an all-party meeting was convened in New Delhi to brief political leaders on the situation.
The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by senior leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
Prime Minister Modi also addressed Parliament on the issue and announced the formation of seven empowered groups to prepare strategies on fuel, supply chains, fertilisers and other critical sectors.
Rising tensions raise global concerns
The West Asia conflict has entered a critical phase, impacting key shipping lanes and raising concerns over energy security and the safety of Indians in the Gulf region.
With tensions showing no signs of easing, India is ramping up diplomatic engagement and internal coordination to minimise the impact on its economy and citizens.