PM Constitutes 7 Empowered Groups To Tackle West Asia Crisis, Calls For ‘Team India’ Approach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted seven empowered groups to deal with the potential long-term impacts of the ongoing West Asia conflict, while urging states to work closely with the Centre in a “Team India” approach to mitigate the crisis.

Flagging the “serious side effects of the war,” the Prime Minister said these empowered groups will focus on managing disruptions and evolving strategies related to fuel, fertilisers, gas, supply chains and inflation. The move comes as the government steps up efforts to shield the country from the cascading economic and supply shocks triggered by the conflict, particularly involving Iran.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions for restoring peace in the region. He said India is in constant touch with all key stakeholders, including Iran, Israel and the United States, to push for de-escalation.

Acknowledging the unprecedented challenges posed by the conflict, especially in the supply of essential commodities such as crude oil, gas and fertilisers, the Prime Minister stressed that “self-reliance is the only option” going forward. He also cautioned that the situation remains fluid and called upon citizens to stay prepared for any eventuality.

Highlighting the global implications, Modi noted that the conflict has triggered a serious energy crisis worldwide, with disruptions in key trade routes impacting supplies. He warned against black marketing and hoarding, directing state governments to remain vigilant and take strict action against miscreants attempting to exploit the situation.

Government sources said that the newly formed empowered groups will be led by senior officials at the secretary level and will cover areas such as strategic affairs, energy, economic affairs, supply chains, agriculture inputs, consumer affairs, transport and logistics, as well as communication and public outreach. These groups will identify emerging issues and take immediate action to address them. They will also develop strategies and ensure effective implementation.

In addition, an inter-ministerial group has been set up to continuously monitor import-export challenges and recommend corrective measures. The government is working on short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies to minimise the impact of the crisis on the domestic economy.

With the upcoming kharif sowing season in focus, the government is prioritising the availability of fertilisers to ensure that farmers are not adversely affected. PM Modi assured that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain adequate supplies and protect agricultural operations.

Referring to disruptions in maritime trade, the Prime Minister pointed to congestion in the Strait of Hormuz, where several ships, including those with Indian crew members, are currently affected.

He also highlighted India’s efforts over the past decade to diversify its energy import sources. While earlier the country depended on around 27 nations for crude oil, LNG and LPG, this number has now increased to 41. India has also developed a strategic petroleum reserve of over 53 lakh metric tonnes to enhance energy security.

Calling for unity, Modi urged citizens and states to respond collectively, recalling how the Centre and states worked together during the COVID-19 crisis. “A united voice of peace and dialogue must go out to the world,” he said, expressing confidence that India will be able to effectively navigate the global crisis through coordinated efforts.