NewKerala.com

India Secures Energy Routes Amid West Asia Tensions, 280,000 Evacuated

India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it is in constant diplomatic contact to ensure the country's energy supplies and shipping routes remain secure despite escalating tensions in West Asia. Officials confirmed India has adequate fertilizer stocks for the upcoming Kharif season, with most ordered imports expected by March's end, following a diversified procurement strategy. Simultaneously, the government has facilitated the return of approximately 280,000 Indian citizens from the conflict-affected region since late February. While acknowledging operational challenges, MEA officials noted that flight availability, particularly to and from the UAE, is gradually improving.

Key Points: India Ensures Energy, Fertilizer Security Amid West Asia Conflict

  • In touch with Iran on key issues
  • Adequate fertilizer stock for Kharif season
  • Diversified approach to energy, fertilizer imports
  • 280,000 Indians returned from West Asia since Feb 28
  • Flight operations to UAE showing upward trend
2 min read

In constant touch with countries for uninterrupted energy supplies for India: MEA

MEA says India in touch with countries for uninterrupted energy supplies, has adequate fertilizer stock, and has evacuated 280,000 citizens from West Asia.

"We continue to remain in touch with all concerned countries to ensure that our energy security needs are met - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, March 19

As tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, India on Thursday said that it continues "to remain in touch with concerned countries" to ensure the country's shipping and energy security needs are met.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are in touch with Iran on several issues." He added, "We continue to remain in touch with all concerned countries to ensure that our energy security needs are met and our energy supplies have an uninterrupted, unimpeded transit."

Addressing a separate question on fertiliser availability, Jaiswal said India currently has adequate stock for the upcoming Kharif season. He added that most of the quantities ordered from multiple sources are expected to arrive by the end of March, noting that India follows a diversified approach to fertiliser imports.

"Our fertiliser situation at this point in time, especially for kharif 2026, we have adequate stock, so we are comfortable. The Department of Fertilisers has also put out global tenders well in advance in anticipation of the current situation, and these have received a very good response. We expect the bulk of the quantities ordered from a variety of sources to arrive by the end of March. But having said that, let me say yes, we have a diversified approach towards procuring fertiliser imports, and we continue to be in touch with several countries in that regard," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that around 280,000 people have returned to India from West Asia since February 28, amid evolving airspace restrictions and operational challenges in the region as the conflict in the region escalates.

Addressing the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia, Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the MEA, noted that despite disruptions in some countries, the overall flight situation is gradually improving.

"While there have been operational closures in some countries, overall the flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating. Since February 28, around 280,000 passengers have returned from the region to India," Mahajan said.

He added that airlines are continuing to operate limited non-scheduled flights between the UAE and India, depending on operational feasibility and safety considerations.

Mahajan stated that on March 18, around 75 flights operated between the two countries, while approximately 90 flights are expected to operate today, indicating an upward trend amid the conflict.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to know about the fertiliser stocks for Kharif. My father is a farmer in Punjab and was getting worried about price hikes. Hope the supplies arrive on time as promised.
V
Vikram M
The number of people brought back is impressive - 2.8 lakhs! Salute to the MEA and the airlines for managing this during such a tense situation. Safety of our citizens abroad should always be the top priority.
R
Rohit P
While the diplomatic efforts are commendable, I hope this situation pushes us to accelerate our own renewable energy projects. Over-dependence on imports from volatile regions is a long-term risk we must address.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in logistics, the coordination to keep flights running between UAE and India amidst airspace restrictions is no small feat. The gradual increase from 75 to 90 flights is a positive sign.
N
Nikhil C
"In touch with Iran on several issues" - this is the key line. Maintaining that relationship is delicate but essential for our energy needs. Hope our diplomacy navigates this carefully. Jai Hind.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50