New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday addressed Parliament on the ongoing West Asia conflict, outlining steps taken to safeguard Indians, secure energy supply and stabilise the economy. He informed MPs about India’s diplomatic outreach, evacuation efforts and contingency planning amid disruptions in the Gulf region.
“The West Asian region is particularly important for India. About 1 crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations. Indians also work as crew members in commercial ships that operate in the region. That is why it is a necessity that India’s Parliament speaks to the world in one voice. India is ensuring help to Indians in all affected nations,” he said.
Speaking about losses, the PM said: “Some have been killed and injured. In these difficult times, the government is extending help to their families. There is a 24×7 helpline in India, and in all the affected nations, to ensure timely help.”
“The security of Indian citizens is our priority within the country, and abroad; 3.75 lakh Indians have returned to India safely,” he added.
Fuel supply and Strait of Hormuz
Addressing concerns on fuel shortage, PM Modi said: “Gas, fertiliser are among products that come to India through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the conflict and disruptions, the government is ensuring that the country does not see a shortage of fuel. About 60 per cent of LPG is imported in India. To ensure this, we have given directions to boost domestic LPG supply.”
PM Modi also spoke about increased options for fuel import. “In the last decade, India has diversified its fuel supply. Earlier, it used to be from 27 countries, now it is from 41 countries. The government is closely looking at the issue of supply. We’re trying to make sure that all ships carrying these products reach India safely. We are in touch with the Gulf countries too… Some of the stranded ships that were bound for India have made their way safely.”
“West Asia is important to the global energy infrastructure. The government is working on short-, medium- and long-term plans for energy security,” he told Paliament.
Industry support and farmers’ concerns
Speaking about those affected by the crisis, PM Modi said, “The government has formed an inter-ministerial group, which meets daily to discuss support for industries affected by the crisis.”
“The government ensured even during the Covid-19 pandemic that Indian farmers were not affected adversely by the crisis. The government took several steps to ensure that such a situation doesn’t arise again. The steps include domestic urea production, and diversification of other products… I assure the country’s farmers that the government will be there to help them in every step,” he said in a message to farmers.
Calling for de-escalation of tensions and diplomacy, the PM said, “India’s diplomacy is robust. From the beginning, India has stressed on de-escalating tensions in the Gulf. India has opposed attacks on civilians, energy and transport infrastructure. India has always spoken up for dialogue and peace. I will say it again that dialogue is the way to resolve this conflict.”
Warning against black marketeers and hoarders of fuel, PM Modi said, “In such times, some elements try to exploit the situation to destabilise. That is why we have stepped up security. We must remain calm, and on alert. I will appeal to all state governments to monitor and take action against those indulging in black marketing, profiteering and hoarding.”
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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