New Delhi, March 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its implications for India's energy security. On Monday, PM Modi made a statement in the Lok Sabha, expressing deep concern over the situation in the region, which he described as "worrisome."
During his address, PM Modi highlighted the steps taken by the government to ensure sufficient fertiliser supplies, addressing fears of disruptions due to the West Asia conflict. "The government has ensured that global crises do not burden our farmers," he said. He emphasized that India's agricultural resilience, including adequate food stocks, was key to mitigating any potential impact on farming. "The farmers of our country have filled our grain reserves, and our efforts are focused on ensuring that the Kharif sowing season proceeds smoothly. Additionally, six new urea plants have been commissioned in the last decade, increasing the urea production capacity by 76 lakh metric tonnes," he added.
The Prime Minister also pointed to another pressing concern: the upcoming summer season and its impact on power demand. With temperatures expected to rise, the need for electricity will increase. "However, all power plants across the country currently have adequate coal stocks," Modi assured.
Discussing the broader geopolitical implications, PM Modi noted that the West Asia crisis, now in its third week, is severely affecting the global economy and the daily lives of people worldwide. He stressed that there is a global call for an immediate resolution to the conflict.
On the critical issue of energy supply, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a vital conduit for India's crude oil, gas, fertiliser, and other essential imports. "Shipping through the Strait has become increasingly challenging due to the ongoing conflict," he said. However, Modi reassured the nation that the government is committed to shielding ordinary citizens from the impact of the crisis. He highlighted several measures, such as prioritizing domestic LPG use and boosting domestic production, as part of the government's strategy to maintain smooth energy supply. "We are working continuously to ensure a steady supply of petrol and diesel across the country," he concluded.
