PM Modi addresses Lok Sabha on West Asia tensions, fuel security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Lok Sabha amid rising tensions in West Asia, outlining India’s preparedness on fuel supply, imports and strategic reserves, while assuring that domestic needs remain a priority.

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He said LPG supply for domestic use continues to be the government’s top focus, even as production within the country has increased over the years. On petrol and diesel availability, Modi stated that the government is actively managing supply challenges arising from disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Imports increase

Highlighting long-term efforts, the Prime Minister noted that policy measures taken over the past decade are now yielding results. India has diversified its import basket significantly, sourcing crude oil from 41 countries compared to 27 earlier, reducing dependency on limited regions.

Adequate reserves

On energy security, he said India currently holds around 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, with plans underway to expand this to 65 lakh metric tonnes. These reserves are in addition to stocks maintained by oil companies.

Modi emphasised that India is procuring petroleum and gas from multiple global sources, keeping a close watch on key shipping routes, including those in the Gulf region. He added that the government is in discussions with allied nations to secure maritime corridors and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.

Despite tensions, several shipments have continued to reach India via the Hormuz route in recent days, he said.

He said that a special group of ministers have been appointed to meet up and discuss challenges and analyse the energy resources every day amid the tensions.

He also said there is adequate coal available for power plants, with India recording its highest-ever coal production last year.

India's stand on West Asia tensions

He said India stands on the side of peace and humanity, stressing that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve the crisis. He added that any loss of life is unacceptable and urged all parties involved to move towards de-escalation and restore peace at the earliest.

Indians in West Asia

He said that over 3,75,000 Indians have returned safely to India from the nations in West Asia, including 1,000 from Iran, and reaffirmed his government's commitment to provide every possible assistance to those in need.

 Speaking about the West Asia conflict in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister said that West Asia is also important for India as "approximately one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries".

"The number of Indian crew members on commercial ships in the seas there is also very high. Due to these various reasons, India's concerns are naturally greater," he added.

Speaking about the steps taken by the Centre to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians affected by the conflict, PM Modi said, "Since this war began, every Indian in the affected countries has been provided necessary assistance. I have personally spoken over the phone with the heads of state of most West Asian countries in two rounds. All of them have assured full safety for Indians."

"Unfortunately, during this period, some people have lost their lives, and some have been injured. In such difficult times, families are being provided with the necessary support. The injured are being ensured the best possible treatment. All our missions in the affected countries are continuously engaged in helping Indians -- whether they are workers or tourists who have gone there. Every possible assistance is being provided to all," he added.

"In any crisis situation, the safety and security of Indians in the country and abroad has always been our top priority," the Prime Minister added.

Since the war began, PM Modi mentioned that more than 3,75,000 Indians have returned safely to India. "From Iran alone, nearly 1,000 Indians have returned safely so far, of whom over 700 are medicl students."

In Gulf countries, he said that the number of students studying in Indian schools is high, and in view of the conflict, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the scheduled Class 10 and 12 examinations in all such Indian schools. "CBSE is taking appropriate steps to ensure that the education of these children continues without disruption," he said.

India's preparedness 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the impact of alternative energy initiatives, stating that ethanol production and blending have helped reduce crude imports by about 4.5 crore barrels annually. Increased railway electrification has further contributed to lowering fuel dependence.

The address comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, prompting governments worldwide to reassess supply chains and energy security strategies.