Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the evolving situation arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict and assess India’s preparedness across critical sectors.
Senior ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri and Nirmala Sitharaman attended the meeting.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Chaired a meeting of the CCS to review the mitigating measures in the wake of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. We had extensive discussions on short, medium and long term measures, including ensuring continued availability of fertilisers for farmers, diversifying import sources for key sectors, promoting exports to new destinations and more. We are committed to safeguarding our citizens from the impact of the conflict.”
The Cabinet Secretary presented a detailed overview of the global scenario and the mitigating measures being undertaken by various ministries and departments. The meeting reviewed the expected impact on sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, trade, shipping, finance and supply chains, along with the broader macroeconomic outlook.
The government assessed that the conflict would have significant short, medium, and long-term implications for the global economy and India. In response, immediate and long-term countermeasures were discussed to ensure stability.
A detailed review of the availability of essential commodities, particularly food, fuel and energy, was conducted, with plans drawn up to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The impact on farmers, especially fertiliser requirements for the upcoming Kharif season, was also examined. The government noted that existing fertiliser stocks would ensure timely availability, while alternate sourcing strategies were discussed for future needs. Coal stock availability at power plants was reviewed, with officials confirming that there would be no electricity shortage.
To reduce dependency risks, measures were discussed to diversify import sources for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. The government also plans to develop new export destinations to promote Indian goods in the near future.
Prime Minister Modi directed that a group of ministers and secretaries be formed to adopt a “whole-of-government” approach, alongside sector-specific groups working in consultation with stakeholders. He emphasised coordination with state governments to prevent black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities, and instructed all arms of the government to work together to minimise inconvenience to citizens.
The meeting also reviewed petroleum, crude, gas, power and fertiliser sectors, focusing on uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution.
As part of immediate steps, commercial LPG allocation to states has been increased, with priority given to hospitals and educational institutions. States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections. Authorities are also conducting raids across states and Union Territories to curb LPG hoarding and black marketing.
Officials confirmed that port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. A cargo ship carrying LPG from Texas recently arrived at New Mangalore Port, where cargo-related charges for crude oil and LPG have been waived between March 14 and March 31.
In the Persian Gulf region, all 22 Indian ships and 611 sailors are reported safe, with no maritime incidents in the last 24 hours. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
The review comes as the West Asia conflict enters its fourth week, impacting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis escalated following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, followed by retaliatory actions by Iran targeting US and Israeli assets across the Gulf region.
Amid the ongoing crisis, industrial diesel prices have risen by 25 per cent, from Rs 87.67 per litre to Rs 109.59 per litre. The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments to safeguard energy security, protect consumer interests and ensure stability for industry and citizens alike.
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