Indian PM Modi Addresses West Asia Tensions, Stresses Need for Immediate De-escalation

New Delhi. Amidst the escalating conflict and tension in West Asia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken publicly for the first time. Addressing the Lok Sabha in a special 25-minute speech, Modi expressed serious concern over the state of the war and emphasized the need for immediate cessation of tensions.

He stated that solutions must be sought through dialogue and diplomacy, making it clear that attacks on civilian settlements and power plants are unacceptable under any circumstances. He issued a stern warning that any action obstructing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for world trade, would be unacceptable to India.

Prime Minister Modi informed that the government has adopted a special strategy to prevent an oil and gas crisis in India due to the war. India, which previously imported petroleum products from only 27 countries, has now increased this to 41 countries.

He mentioned that India currently has a strategic petroleum reserve of over 5.3 million metric tons secured, and work is underway to increase this to 6.5 million metric tons.

He claimed that the government is making every possible effort to ensure fertilizers are available to Indian farmers at affordable prices and to avert an energy crisis, even if there are disruptions in the global supply chain.

Modi highlighted that the government places the highest priority on the security of the approximately one crore (10 million) Indians residing in West Asia. So far, 375,000 Indians have returned safely from the conflict zones, including more than one thousand citizens and over 700 medical students from Iran alone.

He informed that the government is in continuous dialogue with allied nations to ensure the safe passage of Indian vessels, and a special task force is working daily to remove obstacles in import-export activities.

Modi stated that sufficient coal reserves have been maintained at power plants in anticipation of increased electricity demand during the upcoming summer season, and the energy sector is under close surveillance. He argued that instability in West Asia, the backbone of the global economy and a primary energy source, affects the entire world.

Modi mentioned that he has already spoken with leaders of various West Asian countries and is encouraging all parties toward a peaceful resolution. He clarified that attacks on commercial vessels violate international law, and India will always stand in favor of peace.