PM Modi warns of energy shock, calls for unity and global dialogue amid West Asia conflict

New Delhi, March 24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 told the Rajya Sabha that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has triggered a severe global energy crisis with significant implications for India, disrupting trade routes and affecting the supply of essential commodities such as fuel and fertilisers.

Addressing the Upper House of Parliament, Modi said the three-week-long war has heightened concerns over the safety of nearly one crore Indians living and working in Gulf countries, while also flagging the plight of Indian crew members stranded in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. He called for a unified message of peace and dialogue from Parliament to the international community.

Detailing India’s diplomatic efforts, the Prime Minister said he has held multiple rounds of discussions with leaders across West Asia and remains in close contact with key stakeholders, including Iran, Israel and the US. India, he stressed, is pushing for de-escalation, restoration of stability and reopening of critical maritime routes. He reiterated that attacks on commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and emphasised India’s consistent call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Highlighting the government’s priority to safeguard Indian citizens, Modi said more than 3.75 lakh Indians have been evacuated since the conflict began, including over 1,000 from Iran, among them hundreds of students. He also expressed condolences over Indian casualties and assured support for affected families, including medical care for the injured.

The Prime Minister underlined the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy flows, noting that shipping through the route has become increasingly difficult. However, he said India has worked to secure alternative supply channels, ensuring continued inflow of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas from multiple sources.

Warning of long-term risks if disruptions persist, Modi said the government is accelerating resilience measures built over the past decade. He pointed to diversification of energy imports – from 27 to 41 countries – and the expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, which now exceed 53 lakh metric tonnes, with further capacity under development. He assured that India has sufficient reserves and systems in place to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to reduce dependence on any single energy source, including expanding piped natural gas networks and boosting domestic LPG production. Stressing the importance of self-reliance, he noted that a large share of India’s oil transport still relies on foreign-flagged vessels, making the country vulnerable during global crises. To address this, the government has launched a major initiative to build domestically manufactured ships and strengthen maritime infrastructure.

Modi said broader efforts are underway to enhance self-sufficiency in defence production, pharmaceuticals and critical minerals. He acknowledged that the conflict has impacted global economies but expressed confidence in India’s resilience, supported by strong fundamentals and continuous monitoring.

An inter-ministerial group has been set up to oversee trade and supply chain issues, while seven empowered groups – on the lines of those formed during the COVID-19 pandemic – are working on key sectors such as fuel, fertilisers, gas and inflation.

Reassuring farmers, the Prime Minister said adequate arrangements have been made to ensure fertiliser availability for the upcoming sowing season, adding that the government is committed to shielding them from the impact of the crisis.

Calling for cooperation from states, Modi urged them to ensure uninterrupted distribution of essentials and timely implementation of welfare schemes such as the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana. He also warned against hoarding and black marketing, asking states to take strict action.

Invoking the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Prime Minister said the Centre and states must work together, as they did during the pandemic, to manage the crisis effectively. He stressed that patience, restraint and coordinated action would be key to navigating the evolving situation.

Concluding his address, Modi said the government remains alert and prepared to respond to rapidly changing developments, assuring citizens that their welfare remains the top priority.