Our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending this conflict: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

“Putting anyone’s life at risk in this war is not in the interest of humanity, India’s efforts are to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful resolution as soon as possible”

JK News Today

Jammu, March 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday gave a clarion call for early end of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and assured all Indians that the government was doing its best to keep energy supplies on .
Prime Minister Modi , in his address in Lok Sabha , reflected on more than three- week old conflict in Middle- East and the challenges that it posed for the supply chains across the world and also stated that the challenges for India too were huge, but because of government’s efforts the supply of LPG gas and oil is being maintained .“ Elaborating on the nature of the challenges confronting India, the Prime Minister pointed out that the war has created unprecedented economic, national security, and humanitarian pressures. He noted that India has extensive trade relations with the warring and war-affected countries, that the conflict zone straddles critical trade routes, and that a large share of India’s crude oil and gas needs is met by this very region. Drawing attention to the nearly one crore Indians who live and work in Gulf countries, as well as the significant number of Indian crew members aboard commercial ships in those waters, the Prime Minister asserted, “India’s concerns are naturally greater, and therefore it is essential that a united and unanimous voice goes out to the world from India’s Parliament on this crisis.”

Outlining the government’s swift response to safeguard Indian nationals, the Prime Minister informed the House that every Indian in the affected countries has been provided necessary assistance since the war broke out. Stating that he has personally spoken, in two rounds, with the heads of state of most of the West Asian countries, all of whom have given full assurance regarding the safety of Indians, Modi remarked, “Those who are injured are being ensured better medical treatment, and in such difficult circumstances, necessary assistance is being provided to the bereaved families.”
Highlighting the scale of the evacuation effort, the Prime Minister informed the House that more than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India since the war began, including approximately 1,000 Indians from Iran alone, of whom over 700 are young medical students. He also noted that the CBSE has cancelled the scheduled Class 10th and 12th examinations in Indian schools in the Gulf countries and is taking steps to ensure continuity of education. Summing up the government’s approach, Shri Modi asserted, “The government is sensitive, vigilant, and ready to provide every assistance.”

Addressing the critical question of energy supply, the Prime Minister acknowledged that large quantities of crude oil, gas, fertilizers, and other essentials reach India through the Strait of Hormuz, and that shipping through the Strait has become highly challenging since the war. Stressing that the government’s focus has been on protecting ordinary families from hardship, and noting measures such as prioritizing domestic use of LPG and boosting its domestic production, PM Modi remarked, “Continuous work has been done to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel continues smoothly across the entire country.”
Addressing the critical question of energy supply, the Prime Minister acknowledged that large quantities of crude oil, gas, fertilizers, and other essentials reach India through the Strait of Hormuz, and that shipping through the Strait has become highly challenging since the war. Stressing that the government’s focus has been on protecting ordinary families from hardship, and noting measures such as prioritizing domestic use of LPG and boosting its domestic production, PM Modi remarked, “Continuous work has been done to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel continues smoothly across the entire country.”
On India’s diplomatic response to the West Asia conflict, the Prime Minister stated that India’s stand has been clear from the very beginning , one of expressing deep concern, advocating de-escalation, and opposing attacks on civilians and on energy and transport infrastructure. Informing the House that he has engaged with all relevant West Asian leaders and urged them to reduce tensions and end the conflict, and emphasising that attacks on commercial ships and obstruction of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are wholly unacceptable, PM Modi asserted, “India, through diplomacy, is making continuous efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships even amidst the war environment.”

Reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to humanity and peace, the Prime Minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolution. Noting that every Indian effort is directed at de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities, and that the endangering of any life in this war runs counter to the interests of humanity, Shri Modi remarked, “India’s effort is to encourage all parties to arrive at a peaceful resolution as soon as possible.”

The Prime Minister also drew the attention of the House to the internal security dimension of the crisis, warning that certain elements attempt to exploit such situations. Informing the House that all law-and-order agencies have been placed on alert and that security across all domains, coastal, border, cyber, and strategic installations, is being further strengthened, PM Modi cautioned, “Whether it is coastal security, border security, cyber security, or strategic installations, the security of all is being reinforced.”

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister remarked that the difficult global conditions caused by this war are likely to persist for a long time and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united, just as it had stood together during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urging patience, restraint, and vigilance, and cautioning against those who may seek to exploit the situation by spreading falsehoods, engaging in black-marketing, or hoarding, Shri Modi appealed through the House to all state governments to ensure strict monitoring and swift action against such elements. Expressing his abiding faith in the collective resolve of the nation, PM Modi asserted, “When every government and every citizen of this country walk together, we can challenge every challenge, this is our identity, and this is our strength.”