Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underlined the importance of Round-the-Clock monitoring of the West Asian situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality. Chairing the second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers in New Delhi yesterday, Mr Singh informed that the IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the Government in the wake of the ongoing conflict. During the meeting, the seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries briefed the meeting on the steps being taken to tackle the situation.

The Defence Ministry said that the measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors, including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India. The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. They also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the Government to mitigate any adverse impact arising from the ongoing conflict.

The IGoM has been set up to monitor the evolving situation in West Asia. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi, Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh also attended the meeting.