New Delhi, March 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, warning that the war, which has continued for more than three weeks, has created a serious global energy crisis and raised major concerns for India’s trade routes, energy supplies and citizens living in the Gulf region.
Speaking in the Upper House of Parliament, the Prime Minister said many ships from around the world are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, including a large number of vessels with Indian crew members on board. “This is also a major cause of concern for India,” he said, adding that disruptions to international waterways and attacks on commercial shipping were unacceptable.
“In such a critical situation, it is essential that a united voice of peace and dialogue goes out to the entire world from this Upper House of India’s Parliament,” the Prime Minister said.
Concern Over Indians in Gulf Countries
The Prime Minister noted that around one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, and ensuring the safety of their lives and livelihoods remains a major priority for the government. He also highlighted that a large number of Indian seafarers are currently among those stranded aboard ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Prime Minister, the conflict has disrupted global shipping and affected the routine supply of essential commodities to India, including petrol, diesel, gas and fertilizers.
India has condemned attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure and energy and transport-related facilities, he said, reiterating that attacks on commercial ships and disruption of key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable.
Diplomatic Outreach With Global Leaders
The Prime Minister informed the House that since the start of the war he has held two rounds of phone conversations with heads of state of most countries in West Asia. India, he said, remains in continuous contact with Gulf countries as well as with Iran, Israel and the United States.
“Our goal is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, adding that discussions have also been held on de-escalation and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
India is also making continuous diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage for Indian ships despite the ongoing conflict, he said.
Ships With Oil and LPG Continue to Reach India
The Prime Minister acknowledged that ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has become extremely challenging since the war began. However, he said the government is working through dialogue and diplomatic channels to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue to reach India from alternative routes and sources.
“In the past few days, ships carrying crude oil and LPG have arrived in India from many countries around the world. Our efforts in this direction will continue in the coming days,” he said.
Indians Evacuated, Assistance Ongoing
The Prime Minister informed Parliament that since the war began, over 3.75 lakh Indians have returned to India from the region, including more than 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.
While host countries have assured security for Indians living there, the Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the loss of Indian lives and injuries caused by attacks during the conflict. He said the government is providing assistance to affected families and ensuring the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
Indian missions across the region remain in close contact with the Indian community and continue to provide assistance to students, seafarers and other citizens.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
Highlighting the importance of the Strait of Hormuz as one of the world’s most significant trade routes for crude oil, gas and fertilizers, the Prime Minister said disruptions there have made maritime movement extremely difficult.
Despite the situation, the government is working to identify alternative supply routes and maintain the flow of essential commodities to the country.
“The country is witnessing the results of every such effort,” he said.
Government Steps to Strengthen Energy Security
The Prime Minister said India has strengthened its preparedness over the past decade to deal with crises like the current one. He noted that the country has diversified its energy imports significantly—from 27 countries earlier to 41 countries today for crude oil, LNG and LPG.
Strategic petroleum reserves have also been expanded. According to the Prime Minister, reserves exceeding 53 lakh metric tonnes have been developed over the past eleven years, with work underway to increase them to more than 65 lakh metric tonnes. Oil companies are also maintaining substantial stocks of petrol and diesel.
“I wish to assure this House and the nation that India possesses adequate crude oil storage and robust arrangements for continuous and uninterrupted supply,” he said.
The government is also promoting greater use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) alongside LPG and working to increase domestic LPG production, he added.
Push for Self-Reliance in Key Sectors
The Prime Minister said India is working to reduce dependence on other countries in critical sectors. He noted that currently over 90% of India’s oil is transported on foreign-flagged vessels, which increases vulnerability during global crises.
To address this, the government has launched a mission worth around ₹70,000 crore to build Made-in-India ships and expand shipbuilding, ship repair and maintenance capabilities.
He also highlighted steps taken to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing, build a domestic ecosystem for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for life-saving medicines and reduce reliance on imports of rare earth minerals.
“Greater self-reliance across every critical sector is the only path forward,” the Prime Minister said.
Monitoring Economic Impact
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the conflict has shaken economies worldwide and that recovery from the damage in West Asia could take time. However, he said India’s economic fundamentals remain strong and the government is closely monitoring the situation.
An Inter-Ministerial Group has been formed to regularly assess issues related to imports and exports, while seven new Empowered Groups, similar to those created during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been set up to address supply chains, fuel availability, fertilizers, gas and inflation.
Assurance to Farmers
Turning to agriculture, the Prime Minister said the government has made all necessary preparations to ensure adequate supply of fertilizers during the upcoming sowing season.
“The government is making continuous efforts to ensure that farmers do not bear the burden of any crisis,” he said, assuring farmers that the government stands with them to resolve every challenge.
Appeal to States for Cooperation
Addressing the Council of States, the Prime Minister said the coming period would test the nation and called for cooperation from all state governments.
He urged states to ensure timely distribution of benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, noting that crises affect the poor, labourers and migrant workers the most.
State governments were also asked to closely monitor essential supplies, support migrant workers and take strict action against hoarding and black marketing.
“The uninterrupted supply of essential commodities must be the topmost priority for every state,” the Prime Minister said.
Call for ‘Team India’ Approach
Recalling the coordination between the Centre and states during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister urged all governments to work together again to deal with the current global crisis.
“With the combined efforts of all state governments and the Central Government, the country will be able to effectively confront this grave global crisis,” he said, calling for the same “Team India spirit”.
Government Vigilant Amid Changing Situation
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the situation remains fluid and urged citizens to stay prepared for any eventuality, warning that the adverse effects of the war could continue for some time.
“The government is vigilant, it is ready, and it is taking every decision with utmost seriousness. The welfare of the people of this country is paramount for us,” Prime Minister Modi said.
