India Prioritizes Citizen Safety and Energy Security Amid West Asia Crisis

India Prioritizes Citizen Safety and Energy Security Amid West Asia Crisis​

New Delhi, March 25 – As the situation in the West Asia continues to evolve, the Indian government is implementing a multi-faceted strategy focused on safeguarding its citizens, ensuring critical supplies, and bolstering long-term energy security.

Citizen Protection and Repatriation Efforts​

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the safety of Indian nationals as the government’s primary concern. More than 3.75 lakh Indians have been repatriated from conflict zones, including over 700 medical students from Iran. The government is providing comprehensive assistance and medical care to affected families. The Prime Minister has personally held two rounds of discussions with leaders of most West Asian nations, maintaining continuous contact with Gulf countries, Iran, Israel, and the United States to facilitate de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. India has categorically opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and energy/transport systems, urging all parties to pursue peaceful resolutions.

Fuel and Gas Supply Assurance​

Recognizing the potential impact on domestic supply, the government has taken decisive action. All Indian refineries are operating at full capacity, supported by adequate crude oil inventories. Domestic LPG production has increased, and petrol/diesel stocks are sufficient, effectively countering panic buying driven by misinformation. India has diversified its crude, LNG, and LPG imports from 27 to 41 countries. Strategic petroleum reserves now exceed 53 lakh tonnes, with plans to expand them to 65 lakh tonnes. The government is also promoting piped natural gas (PNG) alongside LPG and boosting domestic LPG production.

Strategic Investments in Domestic Production​

To reduce reliance on foreign shipping and imports, the government has launched a Rs 70,000-crore ‘Made-in-India’ shipbuilding mission. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to expand shipbuilding, ship-breaking, and maintenance capacity. The defence sector is being strengthened to manufacture most weaponry domestically.

Support for Farmers and Vulnerable Populations​

The government is ensuring adequate fertiliser supplies and protecting farmers from the crisis’s impact. States have been urged to continue providing benefits under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana to vulnerable populations, laborers, and migrant workers, and to actively combat hoarding.

LPG Supply Restoration and Monitoring​

Priority is being given to gas supply to restaurants, dhabas, canteens, and migrant laborers. Commercial LPG supply has been restored to 20 percent and is currently at 50 percent across States and Union Territories. Priority sectors continue to receive 100 percent domestic PNG and CNG supplies, while industrial/commercial consumers are receiving approximately 80 percent of their normal gas usage. Over 7,500 PNG connections were issued/activated in a single day.

Combating Hoarding and Black Marketing​

Strict action is being taken against hoarding and black marketing. Thirty-two States/Union Territories have established control rooms, and thirty-three have district monitoring committees. Enforcement agencies have conducted approximately 3,400 raids, seized around 1,000 cylinders, registered 642 FIRs, and arrested 155 individuals. PSU Oil Marketing Companies have conducted over 1,500 surprise inspections.

Maritime Safety and Seafarer Support​

All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported to be safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. Two Indian LPG ships, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to Indian ports. The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring 20 Indian-flagged vessels carrying approximately 540 seafarers, operating a 24×7 control room, and has already repatriated more than 585 seafarers. Ports across India are maintaining smooth cargo operations and adding storage space.

Diplomatic Efforts and Citizen Assistance​

The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions are operating 24×7 helplines, engaging with community organizations, and facilitating visas. Since February 28, approximately 4.02 lakh passengers have returned to India. Flights continue from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, with alternative routes assisting Indians in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, and Israel.