Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told the Lok Sabha that the situation in West Asia is “deeply worrying” and has created unprecedented challenges for India. He said the country must face the crisis with the same resolve shown during the COVID-19 period, while ensuring that misinformation does not gain ground.
Referring to the continuing conflict involving Iran, the Prime Minister said disruptions in a region critical to energy supplies and international trade routes can impact multiple economies, including India’s. He noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had already briefed the House on developments, and that India has been urging an early resolution.
Modi said he personally spoke to leaders of the countries involved and pressed for a solution through dialogue, stressing that war is not a solution and that attacks on ships on international sea routes are unacceptable. He highlighted that the region is also important because around one crore Indians live there, and said the safety of Indians remains the government’s top priority.
He said some Indians have been killed and others injured in the conflict, and that assistance is being provided to affected families while Indian missions continue support on the ground. Since the start of the war, more than 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely to India, he said.
On energy security, the Prime Minister said the Centre is working to ensure petrol, diesel and cooking gas supplies are not disrupted, and that alternative options are being explored to manage the gas situation. He added that India sources 60% of its LPG needs domestically and is prioritising higher production, while also expanding renewable energy capacity over the past decade to better handle such crises.
