Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the situation in West Asia as “worrisome” and cautioned that India must be prepared for the long-term consequences of the ongoing conflict.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, he said he was presenting the current scenario in West Asia and the challenges it poses for India, noting that the conflict is adversely affecting people’s lives.
He highlighted that the region is a crucial route for India’s global connectivity and accounts for a significant share of the world’s crude oil and gas supply. Movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly difficult due to attacks on commercial vessels and disruptions in international waterways, which he termed “unacceptable”.
The Prime Minister said India is engaging through diplomatic channels to ensure the safe passage of its ships despite the prevailing war-like situation. He also pointed out that around 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, raising concerns for their safety amid escalating tensions, including retaliatory strikes by Iran on US bases in the region.
Indians assisted, evacuations underway
He said all possible assistance has been extended to Indians since the conflict began and that he has personally spoken with authorities, who assured the safety of Indian nationals. He noted that some people have lost their lives and others have been injured. “Whether Indian workers or tourists, everyone is being helped,” he said, adding that ensuring the safety of Indians remains the government’s top priority.
More than 75,000 Indians have returned home so far, including over 700 medical students from Iran, while Indian missions continue to issue regular advisories in Gulf countries.
Impact on fuel
The Prime Minister said tensions in the Hormuz region are affecting supplies of crude oil and fertilisers, and the government is working to minimise the impact on citizens, with priority being given to domestic needs.
He added that India now imports energy from 41 countries and meets around 60 percent of its LPG demand through imports. Authorities are closely monitoring shipping routes.
He said several Indian vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now reached their destinations. He also noted that India has 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic fuel reserves and that all power plants have adequate stock.
He further said ethanol blending in petrol has reached 20 per cent, while security has been strengthened across coastal areas, border regions, cyber networks and key installations.
Call for diplomacy
Modi stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving the conflict, reiterating that India must stay prepared for its long-term impact.