Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha today regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its potential implications for India. The Prime Minister stated that he intended to apprise the House of the concerning situation in the region, which has persisted for over three weeks. He emphasized that the crisis is Notably impacting human lives and noted that the global community is urging all parties involved to reach a swift resolution. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has already provided the House with necessary diplomatic and technical updates regarding the situation.
Safety and Evacuation of Indian Nationals
The Prime Minister informed the House that the West Asia region is of strategic importance to India, as approximately 1 crore Indian nationals live and work there. Plus, a substantial number of Indian crew members serve on international merchant vessels operating in these waters. Since the onset of the conflict, the government has prioritized providing essential assistance to every Indian in the affected areas. The Prime Minister mentioned that he personally held telephonic conversations with regional leaders twice, receiving assurances regarding the safety of Indian citizens. 75 lakh Indians have returned safely to the country, including 1000 individuals from Iran, of whom 700 are medical students. The government continues to operate 24X7 helplines to provide real-time information and support.
Energy Security and Diversification of Imports
Addressing energy security, the Prime Minister noted that a significant portion of India's crude oil and fertilizer imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz. While maritime traffic has faced disruptions due to the war, the government is working to prevent any shortage of oil and gas. He highlighted that over the past decade, India has strategically diversified its energy import sources, increasing the number of supplier countries from 27 to 41. On top of that, India now produces 60% of its domestic LPG requirements. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the smooth supply of petrol and diesel across the country despite global volatility.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Monitoring Mechanisms
The Prime Minister detailed the government's focus on building strategic reserves to mitigate the impact of global supply chain disruptions. He stated that work is underway on a reserve capacity of 65 lakh metric tons of crude oil. The government remains in constant communication with international suppliers to maintain a steady flow of commodities. According to the Prime Minister, energy is the backbone of the modern economy, and West Asia remains a primary source for global needs. A dedicated high-level group has been established to meet daily and address challenges related to imports and exports, ensuring that the adverse effects of the war on India are minimized.
Stability in Agriculture and Fertilizer Supply
Regarding the impact on the agricultural sector, the Prime Minister assured the House that India maintains sufficient food grain stocks to handle emergencies. He noted that despite global price hikes, Indian farmers have been provided urea at a stable price of less than ₹300 per bag. To reduce import dependency, the government has established 6 new urea plants and introduced 'Made in India' Nano Urea as an alternative. The Prime Minister also emphasized the promotion of natural farming. He concluded by stating that the government is coordinating with international partners to ensure the safe passage of vessels carrying oil, gas, and fertilizers to Indian ports.