Addressing the Parliament for the first time after the Middle East war began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday outlined main points about the growing conflict in West Asia and India's stance on the matter.
He began his address to the Lok Sabha at 2 pm on Monday (March 23) during the current Budget Session of the Parliament.
This address follows the government's assessment of how the crisis affects the country's economy, supply chains and essential goods. They also discussed ways to reduce disruptions for citizens and businesses.
Starting with the West Asia crisis that has now entered week four, the PM said, "The whole world is speaking to all stakeholders to end this conflict."
Also Read | No political ads without approval: ECI tightens rules ahead of elections
Noting that West Asia is a major supplier of crude oil for India, the Prime Minister noted, "We need to ensure we speak in one voice," underling the fact that nearly one crore Indians live in the Gulf region.
Over 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely ever since the US-Israel-Iran war began on February 28, PM Modi said. He also informed that almost 1,000 Indians have returned safely from Iran, including over 700 medical students. He noted that some Indian nationals have died, and those injured are receiving treatment.
"I have spoken to leaders in West Asia in two rounds of phone calls, all of whom promised safety of Indian nationals," PM Modi told the Lok Sabha.
India's energy imports
While speaking on diversification of sources in the past 11 years, the PM said, "Earlier, for energy needs, we made imports from 27 countries. Now, India imports energy from 41 countries." 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic petrol reserve, he added.
"The government is keeping an eye on shipping routes in the Gulf so that oil, gas or fertiliser ships for these products reach India safely," he added.
"The whole world is affected, and we are making efforts that India feels the effect the least," PM Modi told the Lok Sabha. "Indian economy's fundamentals are strong, and that has helped," he asserted.
Enough stocks of food grains, says PM
The Prime Minister informed the Lok Sabha that the government has already ensured enough stocks of food grains. "Even during the pandemic, when there was a disruption in the supply lines, we ensured our farmers did not suffer," he claimed and noted that six urea plans have been set up in recent years.
"I want to tell farmers that the government will continue to make every effort to help them," PM Modi said in light of the West Asia conflict.
Speaking about the coal stocks, he said, "At present, we have enough coal stocks,' and promised that power supply won't be disrupted.
On Hormuz disruption
On diplomatic efforts, PM Modi said India has made diplomatic efforts towards peace. "But attacks in commercial shipping, and the disruption of Hormuz Strait are not acceptable," he said.
Some of our vessels have cross the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war, said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister informed of "strictest action for people spreading lies" and spoke about reports of black marketeering. "I have asked state governments to ensure strictest action in such cases," he said.
While concluding his speech, the PM said, "The government is alert, empathetic and eager to extend all help."
