Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the constitution of seven empowered groups to deal with potential long-term impacts of the West Asia conflict and urged states to work with the Centre in a ‘Team India’ approach to ward off the crisis. Flagging ‘serious side effects of the war’, Mr Modi said that the seven empowered groups will deal with the consequences of war and evolve strategies on fuel, fertilisers, gas, supply chains and inflation.

In a statement in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s position of dialogue and diplomacy as the only solutions to the restoration of peace in West Asia. Mr Modi also said India is in constant touch with all parties, including Iran, Israel and the United States, to stress de-escalation. While admitting to the unprecedented challenges the war is posing for India in terms of the supply of essential goods, including crude, gas and fertilisers, the Prime Minister said going forward “self-reliance is the only option.” Acknowledging that the situation is constantly changing, the Prime Minister called upon citizens to remain prepared for any eventuality. Noting that the war has created a serious energy crisis globally, PM Modi also warned miscreants against taking advantage of the crisis, and has asked state governments to check black marketing and hoarding.

In such a critical situation, it is essential that a united voice of peace and dialogue goes out to the entire world from this Upper House of India’s Parliament, Mr Modi said. He asserted that the government is trying to procure gas and crude oil from all available sources, and efforts on this front will continue in the coming days to ensure that the common people are not affected.