New Delhi, Mar 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the constitution of seven empowered groups to address the long-term impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict, cautioning that its adverse effects are likely to persist for an extended period.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister said the situation in West Asia remains dynamic and challenging, urging both the Centre and states to adopt a coordinated “Team India” approach to effectively deal with the crisis.
Highlighting the serious economic and supply-side repercussions of the conflict, Modi said the empowered groups will focus on key sectors including fuel, fertilisers, natural gas, supply chains and inflation, drawing parallels with similar mechanisms adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reiterating India’s stand, he emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to restoring peace, adding that India is in continuous engagement with all stakeholders, including Iran, Israel and the United States, to push for de-escalation.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the conflict has triggered a global energy crisis and posed significant challenges for India in securing crude oil, gas and fertilisers. He said the government is making sustained efforts to procure resources from all available sources to ensure minimal impact on citizens.
He also warned against hoarding and black marketing, directing state governments to enforce strict monitoring and take swift action against violators to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
Assuring farmers and vulnerable sections, Modi said adequate arrangements have been made for fertiliser availability and welfare schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will continue without disruption.
The Prime Minister further informed that an inter-ministerial group is already functioning to monitor import-export challenges, while the newly formed empowered groups will work on both immediate and long-term strategies to mitigate the crisis.
Expressing concern over the safety of Indians in the Gulf region, he said around 3.75 lakh citizens have been safely brought back so far, including nearly 1,000 from Iran.
Calling for unity and resilience, Modi urged all states to uphold cooperative federalism and ensure stability in the country’s growth trajectory, asserting that with collective efforts, India will effectively navigate the global crisis. (KNC)
