The Indian government has formed seven Empowered Groups of secretaries to monitor and mitigate the West Asia conflict's effects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation in a phone call with Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, focusing on energy security disruptions.
The Cabinet Secretariat constituted seven Empowered Groups (EGs) of secretaries on Monday to monitor and assess the impact of the West Asia conflict and mitigate any disruptions. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting the previous day, where he directed a 'whole of Government approach'. Sources said the groups, modelled on those formed during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, have begun work, with one scheduling its first meeting on Wednesday. The conveners are: Foreign Secretary for security, defence and external affairs; Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs for economy and finance; Petroleum Secretary for energy; Fertilizers Secretary for fertilizers and agricultural inputs; Consumer Affairs Secretary for essential commodities; Shipping Secretary for transport and logistics; and Information and Broadcasting Secretary for communications. The groups will identify risks to energy supplies, trade, supply chains, shipping routes, ports, aviation, imports and exports, and take pre-emptive measures. They will also monitor domestic availability and prices of essentials like food, fertilizers and fuels, and explore alternative import sources. Separately, Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake spoke with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday about the West Asia situation, emphasising disruptions to global energy security. “Spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security,” Modi said. The leaders reviewed initiatives to strengthen India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and regional security, reiterating commitment to secure shipping lines. Modi reaffirmed India's resolve under the Neighbourhood First policy and MAHASAGAR Vision, and they agreed to stay in touch.
