"Like Covid pandemic, we have to be ready again" -- PM Modi in Lok Sabha on West Asia crisis ::::: "India must be prepared; remain united" ::::: -- “We are continuously making efforts to mitigate the effects of this war" ::::: "Over 11 years, we increased Solar power capacity from 3 gigawatts to 140 gigawatts"

PM Narendra Modi said:

"The situation in West Asia is worrisome. In the last 2-3 weeks, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Union Oil Minister Hardeep Puri have provided the details of the situation to the House.  

".... we have to be ready like Covid pandemic" - PM 

"A major question is -- what will be the impact of the war on agriculture? The farmers of our country have filled our grain reserves. Therefore, India has adequate food stocks. It is also our endeavor that sowing for the Kharif season takes place properly. The government has made adequate arrangements for fertilisers to deal with such situations. 

In the past as well, our government did not allow the burden of global crises to fall on farmers."

"Inter-ministerial group formed to analyse and find solution to import and export".

This conflict has been going on for more than 3 weeks. It has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people, and that is why the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict."

"Despite this, the government is making every effort to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not significantly affected. Our focus remains on minimising difficulties for common households. We all know that India meets nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement through imports.  

"The difficult conditions created in the world by this war are likely to have lasting effects for a long time, so we must be prepared and remain united.

The situation in West Asia has created a negative impact on the world economy and people, said PM Modi. 

"It is imperative that Indian Parliament is able to send across its message on West Asia crisis in one voice," he said. 

Due to supply uncertainties, the government has prioritised domestic use of LPG, while also increasing production within the country. Even as petrol and diesel supplies continue across the country, the government is consistently working to address these challenges,” he said.

"India's role in diplomacy is clear. From the beginning, we have expressed our deep concern about this conflict. I have personally spoken to all the relevant leaders in West Asia. I have urged everyone to de-escalate tensions and end this conflict." - PM in Lok Sabha

The Prime Minister said he has personally spoke to leaders of several West Asian countries for two rounds urging dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

“Attacks on commercial vessels and blockading the Strait of Hormuz, a key international maritime route, is unacceptable,” he said.  

"India has condemned attacks on civilians, energy, and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial vessels and the blockage of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. India is continuously making efforts through diplomacy to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships, even in this war-like environment. India has always advocated for the welfare of humanity and peace. 

"I reiterate that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to this problem. All our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending this conflict.

 Endangering the lives of anyone 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. When such crises arise, some elements try to exploit them. Therefore, all law and order agencies have been put on alert. 

Security is being further strengthened, be it coastal security, border security, cyber security, or strategic installations...", he said. 

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah were present in the House.

"Over the past year, nearly 4 million rooftop solar panels have been installed across the country. The PM Suryagarh Free Electricity Scheme has also significantly helped. Under the Govardhan Yojana, 200 compressed biogas plants have also become operational in the country," the PM said.

"All these efforts are proving very useful for the country. The government has further enhanced its future preparedness by encouraging the production of nuclear energy in the country through the Shanti Act. Just recently, the Small Hydropower Development Scheme was also approved, which will add 1,500 megawatts of new hydropower capacity over the next five years...".  

"We have faced such challenges with unity during the COVID period, and now we need to be prepared again...", he said.  

Modi said the government has taken steps to diversify energy sources to safeguard supplies in times of global uncertainty.

"In the last decade, India has prioritised storage of crude oil for times of crisis. Today, India has a strategic petroleum reserve of more than 53 lakh metric tonnes, and work is underway to create reserves of more than 65 lakh metric tonnes".   

He noted that India shares deep business and people-to-people ties with countries in the Gulf region. He said the government has been extending all possible support to Indians since the outbreak of the war, with diplomatic missions assisting those stranded.

Around 3.75 lakh Indians, including students, have returned home so far, he said.

“During such crises, some elements try to take advantage of the situation. Therefore, all law enforcement agencies have been kept on alert to maintain law and order, and security arrangements are being further strengthened. India’s effort is to encourage all sides to reach a peaceful resolution at the earliest. 

"Given the ongoing war, the challenging global situation may persist for a long time, and we must remain prepared and united. Just as we faced the COVID-19 period, we need to be ready to respond in a similar manner again.”

The Prime Minister added that he has spoken to leaders of several countries, who have assured him of the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in their territories.

ends