PM Modi to make statement in Rajya Sabha tomorrow on West Asia conflict
New Delhi, March 23
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday on several aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and India's energy security.
PM Modi made a statement in Lok Sabha on Monday over the West Asia conflict, noting that the situation in the region is "worrisome."
He said that the Centre has made adequate arrangements for fertilisers amid concerns over imports due to the West Asia conflict, saying that the government has never "allowed the burden of global crises to fall on farmers."
"A major question is - what will be the impact of the war on agriculture? The farmers of our country have filled our grain reserves. Therefore, India has adequate food stocks. It is also our endeavour that sowing for the Kharif season takes place properly. The government has made adequate arrangements for fertilisers to deal with such situations. In the past as well, our government did not allow the burden of global crises to fall on farmers. In the last decade, six urea plants have been commissioned, adding 76 lakhs metric tonnes of capacity of urea," he said.
"Another major challenge of the war is that the summer season is beginning in India. In the coming days, with rising temperatures, the demand for electricity will increase. Currently, adequate coal stocks are available at all power plants across the country," he added.
PM Modi said that the West Asia crisis has been going on now for more than three weeks and is having a very adverse impact on the global economy and on people's lives. He said entire world is urging all parties for the earliest resolution of this crisis.
On the critical question of energy supply, the Prime Minister acknowledged that large quantities of crude oil, gas, fertilizers, and other essentials reach India through the Strait of Hormuz, and that shipping through the Strait has become highly challenging since the war.
Stressing that the government's focus has been on protecting ordinary families from hardship, he referred to measures by the government such as prioritizing domestic use of LPG and boosting its domestic production. "Continuous work has been done to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel continues smoothly across the entire country," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The focus on protecting ordinary families from global price shocks is the right approach. The mention of LPG and smooth fuel supply is key for household budgets. A clear statement is needed.
The Strait of Hormuz point is critical. So much of our energy comes through there. We need a long-term strategy beyond this conflict to secure our energy routes. Jai Hind!
While the assurances on food stocks and urea plants are welcome, I hope the statement tomorrow also addresses the humanitarian aspect. Many Indians work in West Asia. Their safety is paramount.
Good to see a proactive stance. The summer electricity demand is a real concern. Hope the coal stocks hold and there are no power cuts. The government must walk the talk now.
With respect, the statement feels like it's managing perceptions. "Adequate arrangements" needs more transparency. What's the Plan B if the conflict drags on for months? We deserve to know the contingency details.
The global economy is indeed connected. A crisis far away hits our petrol pumps and farms. India's diplomatic push for an early resolution is as important as domestic preparations. 🇮🇳
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