Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sounded a note of assurance amid the ongoing war in West Asia but added that "we must be prepared for the long term impact" of the conflict.
The Prime Minister, who was speaking in Lok Sabha on the West Asia conflict and India's mitigation efforts, said that India must be ready to face challenges like it did during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The difficult conditions created in the world by this war are likely to have lasting effects for a long time. We have faced many such challenges even during the Covid-19 pandemic, and now we must be ready to face them again. We need to confront every challenge with patience, restraint, and calmness, this is our identity, this is our strength," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that the ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran has affected countries around the world, adding that India is making continuous efforts to minimise the impact of the conflict.
"The Government of India has formed an inter-ministerial group that meets daily to assess challenges in imports and exports and work on necessary solutions ... The country’s farmers have ensured that our food reserves are well-stocked, and India has sufficient food grains. Efforts are also being made to ensure proper sowing during the season. The government has made adequate arrangements for fertilisers in recent years to handle emergency situations, and has ensured that the burden of global crises does not fall on farmers," he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial oil chokepoint, has been impacted severely due to the ongoing situation.
However, he added that the Centre is making every effort to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not significantly affected due to the closure of Hormuz.
"The government is sensitive, alert, and ready to provide assistance in every possible way...A significant portion of India’s crude oil, gas, and fertiliser supplies comes through the Strait of Hormuz. In the current situation, movement of ships through the Strait has become very challenging. Despite this, the government is making every effort to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not significantly affected," he said.
PM Modi said that the government's focus is on minimising difficulties for the people.
"We all know that India meets nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement through imports. Due to supply uncertainties, the government has prioritised domestic use of LPG, while also increasing production within the country. Even as petrol and diesel supplies continue across the country, the government is consistently working to address these challenges," he said.The Prime Minister added that India is trying to procure its oil and gas supplies from wherever possible to ensure there is not shortfall.