Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in the Parliament informing that the government is giving top priority to the safety of Indians in West Asia and to the steady supply of cooking gas inside India. Addressing the Lok Sabha for the first time after the sharp rise in tensions between the US–Israel and Iran, Modi said the situation is “worrisome” and could affect India’s economy, trade and energy supplies.
In his speech, Modi said about 3.75 lakh Indians have returned home safely from the West Asia region since the war began. Around 1,000 Indians, including over 700 medical students, have been evacuated from Iran alone. The Prime Minister admitted that some Indians have lost their lives and others have been injured, but he added that treatment and financial help are being provided to affected families.
Modi said Indian missions in Gulf countries are working 24/7 through control rooms and helplines to support Indian workers and tourists. He also revealed that he has held talks with several leaders in the region, who promised to protect Indian nationals.
On fuel, the Prime Minister said the government is taking steps to ensure that petrol, diesel and LPG remain available across the country. Domestic LPG consumers are being given precedence because of possible supply risks. At the same time, India is increasing its own LPG production and buying crude oil, gas and LPG from 41 countries to reduce dependence on any single source.
Modi also flagged the danger to global trade from attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that such attacks are “not acceptable” and said India is closely watching shipping routes to protect its imports of oil, gas and fertilisers.
