New Delhi: West Asia conflict concerns were raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged a united national response and stressed the need for early resolution.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Modi said the crisis had continued for over three weeks and was impacting the global economy and human lives. He noted that the world was calling for an immediate resolution.
He said the region held strategic importance for India due to trade links and the presence of nearly one crore Indians in Gulf countries. In addition, many Indian crew members work on commercial ships in the region.
The Prime Minister said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz had made shipping difficult. He added that India depends on this route for crude oil, gas and fertilisers.
Despite these challenges, Modi said the government ensured that supplies of petrol, diesel and gas remained stable. He said efforts focused on minimising inconvenience to households.
He also highlighted steps taken to support Indians abroad. The government provided assistance, set up 24/7 control rooms and issued advisories through missions.
West Asia conflict impacts energy and evacuation efforts
Modi said over 3,75,000 Indians had returned safely since the crisis began. This included around 1,000 citizens from Iran, many of them students.
He said India expanded its energy imports from 27 to 41 countries over the past decade. This reduced dependence on any single region during crises.
The Prime Minister noted that India built strategic petroleum reserves of over 53 lakh metric tonnes. Work was underway to expand this capacity further.
He said the government ensured steady fuel supply through active monitoring and coordination with global partners. Some ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz also reached India safely.
Modi highlighted progress in alternative energy. Ethanol blending rose to nearly 20%, while renewable energy capacity crossed 250 gigawatts.
He said the government adopted short-term and long-term strategies to manage the economic impact. An inter-ministerial group monitored developments daily.
On diplomacy, Modi said India called for de-escalation and opposed attacks on civilians and infrastructure. He said dialogue and diplomacy remained the only solution.
He added that security agencies were on alert to handle internal risks. He urged unity, vigilance and action against misinformation and hoarding.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha. https://t.co/BIrR385m4O
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2026
