India Ready to Face 'Man-Made Global Disaster' from Middle East Conflict

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated India is prepared to face the global economic and supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing West Asia conflict, which he termed a "man-made global disaster." He expressed confidence by pointing to India's successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a precedent for overcoming large-scale crises. The minister also emphasized strengthening long-term economic capacity, highlighting a McKinsey study that projects women's participation could add $700 billion to India's GDP. Shekhawat linked this growth to India's broader ambition of becoming a $30 trillion economy.

Key Points: India Prepared for West Asia Conflict Ripple Effects: Minister

  • India prepared for West Asia conflict fallout
  • Minister cites COVID-19 response as model
  • Women's growth key to $700B GDP boost
  • Goal to become $30 trillion economy
2 min read

India prepared to face 'man-made global disaster' from Middle East conflict: Minister Shekhawat

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says India is ready to face the global economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, citing pandemic response as proof.

"This is like a global disaster. It is a man-made disaster... - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, March 30

India is prepared to face the ripple effects of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which is akin to a "man-made global disaster", Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Monday, expressing confidence that the country will overcome the challenge and set an example globally.

"This is like a global disaster. It is a man-made disaster... When such disasters occur, every country prepares to face them," Shekhawat said on the sidelines of the FICCI FLO 42nd Annual Session 2025-26: Women Led Growth the Economic Engine of Viksit Bharat 2047.

"We have seen how India has overcome the pandemic. We have set an example all over the world. We will definitely be successful in facing this disaster. We will also set an example for the world," he said.

The minister's remarks come amid heightened global concerns over the economic and geopolitical implications of the ongoing tensions in West Asia, with countries assessing their preparedness to deal with potential disruptions in the supply chain of key materials.

Referring to India's handling of COVID-19, Shekhawat underscored the country's ability to respond effectively to large-scale crises.

"We have seen how India has overcome the pandemic. We have set an example all over the world," he said, reiterating that India's past experience provides confidence in dealing with future challenges.

He said that preparedness remains key when dealing with such global disruptions, noting that countries must equip themselves to respond to crises that have far-reaching consequences.

"When such disasters occur, every country prepares to face them," he said, emphasising that India is no exception and is ready to tackle emerging challenges.

Alongside immediate crisis response, Shekhawat highlighted the importance of strengthening India's long-term economic capacity. He pointed to the role of women's participation in driving growth, citing a study by McKinsey & Company.

"That was a McKinsey report which says that if women can be supported in this way in India, then the contribution of USD 700 billion in GDP can increase," he said.

He linked this potential to India's broader economic ambitions, including its goal of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy in the coming decades.

"This is inevitable," he said, referring to India's economic trajectory.

Shekhawat reiterated that India would continue to draw on its past experience, particularly in managing crises, to navigate global uncertainties.

"We will definitely be successful in facing this disaster. We will also set an example for the world," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Preparedness is key, but actions speak louder than words. I hope this means concrete plans for fuel reserves and supporting our exporters who will be hit by shipping disruptions. The focus on women-led growth is a positive long-term strategy.
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Priya S
Confident words, but let's not forget the common man. If there's a global economic shock, will there be measures to control inflation for essentials like cooking oil and lentils? That's my biggest concern.
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Rohit P
Absolutely! India showed the world during the pandemic. We have the resilience and the demographic dividend. Time to reduce dependency on that region and focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat even more strongly.
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Michael C
Interesting to see the minister linking crisis response to women's economic participation. Empowering half the population is indeed one of the best ways to build long-term economic shock absorbers. Smart thinking.
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Kavya N
Hope the preparation includes safeguarding the interests of our citizens working in the Gulf countries. Their remittances are crucial for many families back home. Safety and job security for them should be priority number one.

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