India Prepares for Prolonged West Asia Instability, Focuses on Diplomacy

PM Modi Urges Unity, Preparedness Amid West Asia Conflict​

New Delhi, March 23, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stated that the difficult global conditions caused by the West Asia conflict are likely to persist for an extended period and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united, similar to India’s collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, PM Modi highlighted the impact of the conflict on fuel, fertilizers, national security, and Indian nationals in the region, and outlined the government’s measures to ensure that ordinary families face minimal disruption. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the path to resolution, with India actively working towards de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.

“Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s energy is transported, are wholly unacceptable,” he said, underlining India’s diplomatic engagement with West Asian leaders to reduce tensions.

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PM Modi detailed India’s diplomatic and security measures, noting that all security agencies are on alert and that coastal, border, cyber, and strategic installations have been reinforced. He also cautioned against exploitation of the crisis through black-marketing, hoarding, or spreading false information, urging state governments to ensure strict monitoring and swift action.

On the economic front, Modi highlighted India’s energy diversification strategy, which has expanded import sources from 27 countries to 41 over the past 11 years, reducing dependence on any single region. He noted that India holds 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, with plans to add 6.5 million tonnes, and that domestic oil companies maintain additional reserves. Refining capacity has also increased significantly.

The Prime Minister updated Parliament on the evacuation of Indians from West Asia, stating that over 3.75 lakh citizens have returned safely, including around 1,000 from Iran, with more than 700 young medical students among them.

Regarding agriculture and food security, Modi said India’s food grain reserves are sufficient, and adequate fertilizer supplies have been arranged to ensure a smooth Kharif sowing season. On energy and power, he highlighted that coal stocks are sufficient, with India producing over 1 billion tonnes of coal for the second consecutive year, and emphasized progress in renewable energy development.

“Through the joint efforts of the government and industry, we will be able to face these circumstances effectively. When every government and citizen walk together, we can overcome every challenge; this is our identity and our strength,” Modi said.

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The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to humanity, peace, and global stability, reaffirming that the government is implementing short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact on energy, trade, and citizens.