With the US-Iran-Israel war stalemate deepening, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted warring parties to end the devastating conflict through diplomacy and assured people of India that the government is doing everything possible to ensure energy security.
“As far as diplomacy is concerned, India’s standing has been very clear. From the beginning, we had expressed our deep concern on this conflict,” PM Modi said in statement on the situation in West Asia in the parliament on March 23.
PM Modi stressed that he spoke to all leaders of West Asia and urged everyone to reduce tension and end this conflict. “We have opposed attacks on people, transport and energy. Attacks on commercial ships and obstructions in Hormuz strait are unacceptable,” he said.
“Amid this war, India is trying to secure the movement of its ships through diplomacy. We have always raised our voice for humanity and peace. I repeat that talks and diplomacy are the only way to end the problem. All our efforts are aimed towards reducing tension and ending this war. In this war, threat to any life is not in favour of humanity. India wants a peaceful resolution at the earliest.”
As the US-Iran-Israel war entered the fourth week, PM Modi updated the Indian parliament about steps taken by his government to ensure the country’s energy security and the welfare of around 10 million Indians living in the Gulf countries.
The situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern. It has created unprecedented challenges for India, especially for the country’s economy and energy security, he said.
In his statement, PM Modi underlined steps taken by the Indian government to diversify energy supplies in the wake of the war and stressed that the government is pursuing a multi-faceted strategy to minimise the impact of the energy crisis on the Indian economy.
“This war has created difficult global conditions that may persist for a long time. Hence, we must remain prepared and united. We faced similar challenges during the Covid crisis with unity. Now again, we must prepare in the same way. With patience, restraint, and calmness, we must face every challenge-that is our identity, that is our strength,” he said. “At the same time, we must remain vigilant and cautious. Those who try to exploit the situation will attempt to spread falsehoods, but we must not let them succeed.”
PM Modi informed the House that “India has more than 53 lakh metric tonnes of oil in its strategic reserve” and is working for “65 lakh metric tonnes”.
“India has more than 53 lakh metric tonnes of oil in its strategic reserve. We have increased our refining capacities. We are in touch with other countries to ensure supply from wherever possible. We are keeping a watch on the shipping routes near the gulf region. Our effort is to ensure that ships carrying oil, gas, fertilisers and other important goods should reach India safely,” he said.
Author Profile
- Manish Chand is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO, Centre for Global India Insights, an India-based think tank focused on global affairs.
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