Page 40 - NIS English 16-30 April, 2026

NATION | PM Modi on the Global Crisis

imports 60% of its LPG requirements—and in light of
Priority: The Safety of Indians the uncertainties surrounding its supply—the govern-
Ever since the conflict began, every Indian in ment has prioritized the allocation of LPG for domestic
the affected countries has been provided with consumption. Concurrently, efforts are underway to
essential assistance. Prime Minister Narendra boost indigenous LPG production within the country.
Modi himself has held two rounds of telephonic Continuous efforts have also been directed toward en-
consultations with the heads of state of most
countries in West Asia. All of them have provided suring the smooth and uninterrupted supply of petrol
full assurances regarding the safety and security and diesel across the entire nation. Just 11 years ago,
of Indians. All Indian diplomatic missions in the India imported energy resources—such as crude oil,
affected regions remain continuously engaged LNG, and LPG—from 27 countries; today, India imports
in assisting Indian nationals. Whether they are energy from 41 different nations. Currently, India
professionals working there or tourists visiting possesses strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3
the region, everyone is being extended every
possible form of assistance. 24/7 control rooms million metric tonnes, and work is actively underway to
and emergency helplines have been established in establish additional reserve capacities totaling over 6.5
both India and the other affected countries. Since million metric tonnes. This is in addition to the opera-
the commencement of the conflict, more than tional reserves maintained by the various oil market-
375,000 Indians have safely returned to India. ing companies. The government remains in constant
From Iran alone, approximately 1,000 Indians contact with suppliers from various countries. The ob-
have safely returned so far; among them, over 700
are young students pursuing medical studies. jective is to ensure a continuous supply of oil and gas
from every possible source. The Government of India
is maintaining a constant watch over shipping routes
in the Gulf and surrounding regions. The government
of our requirements for crude oil and natural gas. is striving to ensure that vessels carrying essential
The region holds significance for yet another reason: commodities—such as oil, gas, and fertilizers—reach
approximately ten million Indians reside and work in India safely.
the Gulf nations. Furthermore, Indian crew members
constitute a substantial portion of the workforce ENERGY: BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY
aboard the merchant vessels navigating the waters of In today’s world, energy serves as the backbone of
that region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that, the economy, and West Asia stands as a major source
given these multifaceted factors, India’s concerns are of fulfilling global energy requirements. Economies
naturally heightened; it is, therefore, imperative that across the globe are currently being impacted by the
the Indian Parliament project a unified and unanimous prevailing crisis; consequently, continuous efforts are
voice to the world regarding this crisis. being undertaken to ensure that India faces minimal
adverse effects. The government is working with a
MINIMIZING HARDSHIP FOR COMMON comprehensive strategy to address every potential
HOUSEHOLDS impact—whether short-term, medium-term, or long-
India imports a significant volume of essential term. The Government of India has also constituted an
commodities—such as crude oil, natural gas, and Inter-Ministerial Group, which convenes daily to assess
fertilizers—via the Strait of Hormuz. Since the out- and address any difficulties arising in import and
break of the conflict, maritime traffic through the export operations. Thanks to the nation’s farmers, who
Strait of Hormuz has become extremely challenging. have kept our granaries fully stocked, India possesses
Nevertheless, the Central Government has strived to ample food grain reserves. Furthermore, over the past
ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and natural few years, the government has ensured adequate ar-
gas remains largely uninterrupted. The primary focus rangements for fertilizer supplies to effectively handle
has been on minimizing any potential hardship for or- any emergencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic—
dinary households across the country. Given that India and subsequently amidst various conflicts—global

38 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || April 16-30, 2026