In his address to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the adverse effects of the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, emphasizing the challenges faced by the population in the affected regions. He noted that the conflict has created unexpected challenges for India, both economically and humanely.
“The safety of Indians, both within the country and abroad, remains our highest priority,” the Prime Minister said. Since the onset of the conflict, more than 3.75 lakh Indians have been safely evacuated, including around 1,000 from Iran. Among them are over 700 young medical students and thousands of schoolchildren from the region.
Continuous Support and Education for Students
The government has also taken special measures to ensure uninterrupted education for Indian students affected by the conflict. CBSE has canceled the 10th and 12th standard examinations for all Indian schools in the affected areas, ensuring that students can continue their studies without disruption.
Ensuring Essential Supplies
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that West Asia plays a critical role in supplying crude oil, gas, and fertilizers globally. Despite disruptions in shipping and supply chains due to the conflict, the Indian government has worked to ensure that the domestic supply of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas remains largely unaffected.
Strengthening Energy Security
India has diversified its energy imports over the past decade, reducing dependence on a few countries. Currently, India imports energy from 41 nations and maintains strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3 million metric tons, with plans to expand these reserves to over 6.5 million metric tons to mitigate future crises.
Agricultural Stability and Farmer Support
Addressing concerns about agriculture, the Prime Minister assured that India’s food grain stocks are sufficient. The government is committed to providing the necessary fertilizers and support to farmers to ensure uninterrupted crop production. Past measures during crises such as COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions have ensured minimal impact on Indian farmers.