PM Modi Reviews West Asia Situation With CMs, Stresses Supply Stability And Coordinated Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to review the country’s preparedness in light of the evolving situation in West Asia and its potential impact on India.
During the meeting, held via video conferencing, the Prime Minister stressed the need for vigilance, advance planning, and seamless coordination between the Centre and states. He underlined that the government’s key priorities remain maintaining economic and trade stability, ensuring energy security, safeguarding citizens’ interests, and strengthening industry and supply chains.
PM Modi expressed confidence that by working together as “Team India,” the country would successfully navigate the emerging challenges.
Highlighting India’s past experience in handling global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister said coordinated action between the Centre and states had proven effective in mitigating impacts on supply chains and daily life. He noted that a similar approach would be crucial in addressing the current situation, which he described as dynamic and requiring constant monitoring and adaptive strategies.
Prime Minister Modi urged states to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He called for activating control rooms at state and district levels and maintaining administrative alertness to prevent disruptions.
Special emphasis was placed on advance planning in the agriculture sector, particularly monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution to avoid difficulties for farmers during the upcoming Kharif season.
The Prime Minister also cautioned against misinformation and rumours, stressing the importance of timely dissemination of accurate information to prevent panic. He advised states to remain vigilant against online fraud and fake agents, while urging border and coastal states to pay special attention to challenges related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime operations.
The PM further suggested that states with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers, and establish district-level support systems to assist affected families. Modi also highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence by assuring adequate availability of essential commodities.
Emphasising long-term preparedness, the Prime Minister called for accelerating efforts in alternative energy, including solar power, biofuels, electric mobility, and expansion of piped natural gas networks. He also urged states to support domestic exploration of oil and natural gas.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined steps taken by the government, including ensuring adequate LPG supplies and reducing excise duties on petrol and diesel to provide relief amid global uncertainties. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan presented an overview of the current situation and suggested measures for states.
Chief Ministers appreciated the Centre’s efforts and expressed confidence that the situation remains stable, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG. They welcomed the reduction in excise duties and the increase in commercial LPG allocation to states, and reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Centre to effectively manage the evolving situation.
