Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said there is no energy security crisis in India despite the ongoing West Asia conflict. Making a statement on the ongoing West Asia conflict and explaining India’s position on the issue in the Lok Sabha today, Mr Modi said the supply of petrol and diesel remains smooth across the country. He asserted that India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves.
Mr Modi informed the House that the country is also working on arrangements for more than 6.5 million metric tonnes of additional storage. He highlighted that in the last eleven years, the country’s refining capacity has increased significantly. The Prime Minister said the government is in constant contact with suppliers from different countries and the effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from the sources wherever possible.
The Prime Minister said this conflict has been going on for more than three weeks, and it has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people. He said, in view of the prevailing situation, the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict.
The Prime Minister said that in this grave situation, the safety of Indians in the country and abroad has remained the government’s top priority. Mr Modi said, since the beginning of the conflict, more than 375,000 Indians have safely returned to India. He said around one thousand Indians have returned safely from Iran so far.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that 24×7 control rooms and emergency helplines have been established in India, as well as in other affected countries, to provide immediate information to all those affected. He said the government is sensitive, alert, and fully prepared to provide every possible assistance.
The Prime Minister said India imports 60 per cent of its LPG requirement. He said, due to uncertainties in supply, the government has worked both to ensure the availability of LPG for domestic use and to increase its production. Prime Minister Modi said the economies around the world are being affected by the current crisis, and continuous efforts are being made to minimise its impact in India. He said the Government has formed an inter-ministerial group that meets daily to assess challenges in imports and exports and work on necessary solutions.
Prime Minister said, the country’s farmers have ensured that the country’s food reserves are well-stocked. He said efforts are also being made to ensure proper sowing during the season. Mr Modi highlighted that in recent years, the government has made adequate arrangements for fertilisers to ensure that the burden of global crises does not fall on farmers.
On the diplomatic front, the Prime Minister reiterated that India has consistently expressed deep concern over the conflict and has urged all sides to reduce tensions. Mr Modi further added that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to this conflict. He added that India is in favour of a peaceful resolution to this crisis. He said that the attacks on civilian infrastructure, energy and transport facilities, as well as commercial shipping, are unacceptable.
The Prime Minister said, all agencies of the country, be it coastal security, border security, cyber security and strategic installations have been put on high alert.
Acknowledging that the global impact of the war could persist for some time, Mr Modi said India must remain prepared and expressed confidence that the country would successfully navigate the challenge, just as it had during the COVID-19 period.
