PM Modi chairs meeting to review situation in West Asia
New Delhi, July 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired the fourth special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review India's preparedness amid the escalating West Asia conflict, focusing on energy supplies, fertiliser availability, and the safety of citizens and seafarers.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Cabinet Secretary briefed the CCS on the current geopolitical situation and outlined measures taken to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products, including LNG, LPG, and fertilisers. He said procurement sources for LPG had been diversified and refineries were operating at utilisation levels exceeding 100 per cent, ensuring continued production of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.
The meeting also reviewed initiatives to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, which have seen a substantial increase. Fertiliser requirements for the forthcoming Rabi season were assessed, with alternate sources discussed. PM Modi directed that all measures be taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of fertilisers.
The situation of seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones was deliberated. PM Modi instructed the establishment of a mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance, and counselling to seafarers and their families.
He emphasised that all efforts must be made to safeguard citizens and the Indian diaspora from the impact of the conflict. Stressing the importance of energy independence, he called for greater focus on renewable energy sources, including solar and other non-fossil fuels.
The PMO statement said the Prime Minister directed that a "whole-of-government approach" be continued, with a unified coordinated mechanism for regular monitoring of developments to ensure expeditious implementation of measures to safeguard citizens' interests.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My brother is a merchant navy officer currently in the Gulf. This mechanism for seafarers is reassuring—timely info and counselling can save lives. Thank you, PM Modi ji for thinking of our diaspora.
Honestly, while the CCS meeting is necessary, I'm skeptical about refineries operating at over 100% utilization—that's not sustainable long-term. We need to fast-track nuclear and hydro as well, not just solar.
Diversifying LPG sources is smart—we learned from the Ukraine crisis. But why not mention domestic production of fertilisers? We import too much, especially urea. Make in India for energy security too! 🇮🇳
The 'whole-of-government approach' is key—coordination between ministries often falters. Hope this time it's different. Also, PNG expansion is great for households; reduces pollution and LPG subsidy burden. Win-win!
As a student of international relations, I appreciate the strategic depth here. West Asia conflict directly impacts our energy costs and trade routes. But I wish the govt also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—India should do more diplomatically.
Impressive how India is managing multiple crises at once—from border tensions to global
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