Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured on Monday in Lok Sabha that the government is working relentlessly to minimize the impact of the US-Iran war in West Asia. He called attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz unacceptable and urged citizens to stay united like during Covid-19.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first statement in Lok Sabha after the US-Iran war broke out, on Monday. He noted that the conflict in West Asia has created unexpected challenges for India's economy, national security, and humanity. India has major trade ties with involved countries, sources much of its oil and gas from the region, and nearly 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf. The war is over three weeks old. Modi called attacks on commercial ships and obstructions in the Strait of Hormuz 'unacceptable'. India has opposed assaults on people, transport, and energy infrastructure. He spoke to West Asian leaders urging de-escalation. India's strategic oil reserve holds over 53 lakh metric tonnes, aiming for 65 lakh, with increased refining capacity. Domestic LPG supply is prioritized as 60% is imported. Farmers will not bear the global crisis burden. Power plants have sufficient coal for summer demand. 3.75 lakh Indians have returned, over 1000 from Iran including 700 medical students. Congress's Jairam Ramesh criticized the short speech for lacking condemnation of US-Israeli air assaults on Iran. Modi said, 'This war has created difficult global conditions that may persist for a long time. Hence, we must remain prepared and united. We faced similar challenges during the Covid crisis with unity.' The government is pursuing short, medium, and long-term strategies amid strong economic fundamentals.
