PM Modi pushes fast reforms, energy security in 4-hour meeting with ministers amid West Asia tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a marathon meeting of the council of ministers, where issues ranging from energy security to governance reforms and the roadmap for a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 were discussed in detail.

The meeting, which lasted more than four hours, brought together Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state ahead of the second anniversary of the government’s third term on June 9, per a report by Hindustan Times. According to people aware of the discussions, the review focused on the implementation of key policies and programmes across major sectors.

Focus on Viksit Bharat and governance reforms

During the meeting, Modi underlined that the vision of a developed India by 2047 was not merely a slogan but a long-term commitment of the government. He stressed that reforms and timely delivery should remain at the centre of governance.

Reiterating his earlier directions on reducing bureaucratic delays, the Prime Minister asked ministers to ensure faster movement of files and smoother administrative processes. “The PM said that files should not linger from table to table and the processes should be simplified. He also mentioned that details about the government’s accomplishments during the past 12 years should be adequately disseminated and that the feedback mechanism should also be sharpened,” said one person privy to the details, per the HT report.

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The PM also reportedly told ministers that governance should remain people-centric, with emphasis on “ease of living”. People present at the meeting told HT that PM Modi said there should not be unnecessary interference in people’s lives and urged ministers to focus on future goals rather than past achievements.

Energy security amid West Asia tensions

Energy security emerged as another key subject during the discussions, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Prime Minister is learnt to have asked ministries to explore alternatives such as biogas and renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on imported fuel supplies. The review covered sectors including power, agriculture, labour, foreign affairs, infrastructure, trade and commerce, and corporate affairs.

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External affairs minister S Jaishankar made a presentation on Modi’s recent five-nation tour, while Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan and NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also briefed ministers on reforms and governance measures.

The meeting came at a time when the Opposition has been raising concerns over inflation, unemployment, agrarian distress and fuel prices. The government has linked several economic pressures to global disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict.