New Delhi, July 30:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the evolving situation arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia and assess the preparedness of various Ministries and Departments to deal with its possible impact on India.
The meeting, the fourth CCS review on the issue, focused on safeguarding Indian citizens, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities, and strengthening coordination among government agencies.
The Cabinet Secretary briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing geopolitical situation and informed the committee about measures taken to ensure adequate availability of petroleum products, including LPG and fertilizers. Officials said the country’s overall stock position remains adequate, with sufficient crude oil availability enabling Public Sector refineries to operate at high utilization levels while maintaining uninterrupted production of petroleum products.
The CCS was informed that initiatives undertaken in recent years—including expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, growth of the National Gas Grid, augmentation of LNG infrastructure, and implementation of City Gas Distribution networks—have significantly strengthened India’s energy security and reduced dependence on imported fuels.
The Prime Minister also reviewed fertilizer requirements for the upcoming Rabi season and directed all concerned Ministries to take every necessary measure to ensure uninterrupted availability of fertilizers across the country. Alternative sourcing options were also discussed during the meeting.
Expressing concern over the welfare of Indian seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict-affected regions, the Prime Minister directed the establishment of a dedicated mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance, and counselling support to seafarers and their families.
Emphasizing the safety of Indian nationals and the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Modi instructed that all possible efforts be made to shield citizens from the adverse consequences of the ongoing conflict.
The Prime Minister further stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, including solar and other non-fossil fuel-based energy, to strengthen India’s long-term energy independence.
Calling for a “whole-of-government” approach, the Prime Minister directed the creation of a unified and coordinated mechanism for continuous monitoring of developments in West Asia to ensure swift implementation of measures aimed at protecting the interests of Indian citizens and maintaining national preparedness.(KNC)