PM Modi CCS Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 1 chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to assess and strengthen the government’s response to the ongoing West Asia conflict and its potential fallout on the Indian economy.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba briefed the meeting on measures to safeguard petroleum supplies, with a special focus on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Officials outlined steps to diversify import sources across multiple countries while ensuring uninterrupted availability. The government has granted exemptions to gas-based power plants to maintain electricity supply and stepped up coal transportation to thermal power stations.
Modi reviewed the stock position of essential commodities, particularly fertilisers, and directed officials to put in place robust arrangements for their supply during the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons.
“All efforts must be made to safeguard the citizens from the impact of this conflict,” the Prime Minister said, while emphasising the need to provide accurate information to the public and counter rumours and misinformation.
He instructed ministries and departments to take every possible step to ease difficulties faced by citizens and affected sectors. The CCS was informed that domestic LPG prices have so far remained stable, with regular checks being carried out to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Plans are also underway to expand piped natural gas (PNG) connections and implement other power sector measures to ensure energy security, especially during the peak summer months.
The meeting discussed emerging challenges in several key sectors, including agriculture, civil aviation, shipping and logistics. The government is working to sustain domestic urea production and is in touch with international suppliers to secure adequate fertiliser supplies. State governments have been asked to remain vigilant and take strict action against black marketing or diversion of fertilisers.
Food commodity prices have stayed stable over the past month, backed by dedicated control rooms that continuously monitor prices and enforce provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. Prices of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products are also being closely watched.
Officials told the CCS that India continues efforts to diversify its energy, fertiliser and overall supply chains globally. Diplomatic initiatives are simultaneously underway to ensure safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Better coordination and real-time communication between central, state and district-level authorities have been put in place to improve information flow and public awareness as the situation evolves.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, was the second special session of the CCS on the West Asia crisis. The conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran erupted on February 28 and has now entered its second month, triggering concerns over disruptions in global energy supplies.
