Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned that the escalating conflict in West Asia has become “worrisome” and is posing serious economic, security, and humanitarian challenges for India, even as his government moves to safeguard critical supplies and protect Indian citizens abroad.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said the crisis, now stretching beyond three weeks amid rising tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, is already having a “very adverse impact on the global economy and people’s lives,” while creating “unprecedented challenges” for India.
“The current situation in West Asia is worrying…This crisis has now lasted for more than three weeks. It is affecting the entire world,” he said, calling for an urgent resolution through dialogue.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened global anxiety over disruptions to energy supplies and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for India’s imports of crude oil, gas, and fertilisers.
Modi underlined that attacks on commercial vessels and disruptions in such international waterways are “not acceptable,” adding that India is closely monitoring maritime corridors to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods.
“Our effort is that ships carrying oil, gas, and fertilisers reach India safely,” he said, noting that despite the turmoil, supplies of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas have remained stable.
Framing the crisis as a multidimensional challenge, Modi told lawmakers that India’s deep economic linkages with the region amplify its exposure. He pointed out that a significant share of India’s energy needs is sourced from West Asia and that the region also serves as a vital trade route.
At the same time, nearly 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, while a large number of Indian seafarers are employed on commercial vessels operating in the region.
“Because of these factors, India’s concerns are naturally greater,” he said, urging political parties to present a united front. “It is essential that a unified and unanimous voice from India’s Parliament reaches the world.”
Highlighting the government’s response on the ground, Modi said Indian missions across the region are working round the clock to assist citizens. He revealed that he had personally spoken with leaders of several West Asian countries in two rounds of calls and had received assurances regarding the safety of Indian nationals.
“Since the beginning of the war, every Indian has been provided necessary assistance,” he said, while acknowledging that some Indian citizens had lost their lives and others had been injured. “In these difficult circumstances, families are being supported and the injured are receiving proper treatment.”
He added that more than 375,000 Indians have returned safely since the outbreak of the conflict, including around 1,000 evacuees from Iran, over 700 of them medical students. Emergency helplines and 24/7 control rooms have been set up both in India and abroad, while advisories are being issued regularly.
In a significant step affecting students, the Central Board of Secondary Education has cancelled Class 10 and 12 examinations in Indian schools across affected Gulf countries to ensure continuity in education.
Seeking to reassure citizens and markets, Modi emphasised that India’s energy security measures over the past decade are helping cushion the impact of the crisis.
He noted that India has diversified its energy imports from 27 countries earlier to 41 today and has built strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3 million metric tonnes, with plans for further expansion. “In such times, the steps taken in the past decade have become even more relevant,” he said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to structural shifts such as increased ethanol blending, railway electrification, and the expansion of renewable energy capacity as key buffers against global shocks.
India is now close to achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol, reducing annual oil imports significantly, while nearly half of the country’s installed power capacity comes from renewable sources. Coal stocks, he said, remain adequate to meet rising electricity demand during the summer months.
Addressing concerns in the agriculture sector, Modi assured farmers that India has sufficient foodgrain reserves and fertiliser supplies. He recalled how the government had shielded farmers during previous global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, when international fertiliser prices surged.
“I want to assure farmers that the government will continue to make every effort,” he said, highlighting increased domestic production of urea and diversification of fertiliser imports.
At the same time, the government is maintaining close coordination with industry and global partners to mitigate economic fallout. Modi said an inter-ministerial group is meeting daily to assess import-export challenges and devise solutions.
“We are working with short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies,” he said, expressing confidence that strong economic fundamentals would help India navigate through the crisis.
On the diplomatic front, Modi reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of de-escalation. “India has always raised its voice for peace in the interest of humanity. Dialogue and diplomacy are the solutions,” he said, adding that New Delhi has urged all parties to reduce tensions and end the conflict. He also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and reiterated India’s opposition to disruptions in global trade routes.
The Prime Minister cautioned that the fallout of the conflict could be prolonged and called for vigilance at home. Law enforcement agencies have been put on alert, with heightened security across coastal areas, borders, cyber networks, and strategic installations. He also warned against black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities, urging state governments to take swift action against violators.
“The whole world is affected, and we are making efforts to ensure that India feels the impact the least,” Modi said, striking a note of cautious confidence. “With patience, restraint, and unity, we will face every challenge.”