India
oi-Swastika Sruti
In the latest development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia on India on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a CCS meeting reviewing the West Asia conflict’s impact on India’s energy security, essential supplies, and citizen safety, stressing energy self-reliance and directing enhanced support mechanisms for Indian seafarers.
The key focus of the meeting was the country’s energy security, supply of essential commodities and the safety of Indian citizens. This was the fourth CCS meeting chaired by the Prime Minister since the conflict in West Asia began over four months ago.
PM Stresses Energy Self-Reliance
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi underlined the need to make India’s energy sector more ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) to reduce the impact of global crises.
Officials briefed the CCS on the country’s fuel supplies, including crude oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and fertilisers. Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan informed the committee that India has diversified its import sources for LPG and currently has sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand.
The government also stated that the availability of adequate crude oil has enabled Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) refineries to operate at more than 100 per cent capacity, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products across the country.
Focus on Fuel Supply and Fertilisers
The CCS also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Rabi season and discussed the availability of fertilisers required by farmers.
Officials informed the committee that the government is continuously monitoring the supply chain to ensure there is no disruption despite the geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The meeting also reviewed initiatives aimed at expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections and increasing the use of natural gas by industries through the expansion of the National Gas Grid. These measures are expected to reduce dependence on conventional fuels and strengthen India’s long-term energy security.
Special Measures for Indian Seafarers
A major focus of the meeting was the welfare of Indian seafarers working in conflict-affected regions.
Prime Minister Modi directed officials to establish a dedicated mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance and counselling services to seafarers and their families.
He stressed that every possible effort should be made to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian citizens and the Indian diaspora affected by the evolving situation in West Asia.
