Page 41 - NIS English 16-30 April, 2026

PM Modi on the Global Crisis | NATION

Record Coal Production PM Modi Engages with
As the summer season intensifies in the coming All Leaders in West Asia
days, the demand for electricity is expected to India has already expressed its deep
rise. Currently, all power plants across the country concern regarding the ongoing conflict
possess adequate coal stocks. India has achieved in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi
a historic milestone by producing 100 Crore himself has held discussions with all
tons of coal for the second consecutive year. relevant leaders in the region. He has
All systems—ranging from power generation urged everyone to de-escalate tensions
to power distribution—are being continuously and bring an end to this conflict. India
monitored; additionally, the government’s has condemned attacks targeting civilians,
preparedness efforts have received a significant as well as energy and transport-related
boost from the contribution of renewable infrastructure. Attacks on commercial
energy sources. Over the past decade, the nation vessels and obstructions in international
has taken monumental strides in the renewable waterways—such as the Strait of
energy sector. Today, renewable sources account Hormuz—are unacceptable. Even
for nearly half of the country’s total installed amidst this atmosphere of conflict, India
power generation capacity. The total renewable is making continuous efforts through
capacity has today crossed the historic milestone diplomatic channels to ensure the safe
of 250 GW. Over the past 11 years, the country passage of Indian vessels.
has increased its solar power capacity from
approximately 3 GW to 140 GW.

supply chains experienced significant disruptions. At FACING EVERY CHALLENGE
one point, the price of a single bag of urea in the global The difficult global situation resulting from this con-
market soared to as high as ₹3,000; however, the very flict is likely to have a prolonged impact; therefore,
same bag was made available to Indian farmers at a we must remain prepared and united. We must con-
subsidized price of less than ₹300. Over the last decade, front every challenge with patience and restraint.
six new urea plants have been commissioned across the Those seeking to exploit the situation will attempt
country, adding an annual production capacity of over to spread misinformation; we must not allow their
7.6 million metric tons. During this same period, domes- efforts to succeed. Prime Minister Modi has also
tic production of fertilizers such as DAP and NPKs has urged all state governments across the country to
also been increased by approximately 5 million metric maintain strict vigilance, noting that individuals
tons. Moreover, the government is actively encouraging engaged in black marketing and hoarding tend to
farmers to adopt natural farming practices. become active during such times. n

April 16-30, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 39