New Delhi, India — March 23, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Lok Sabha, outlining India’s multi-pronged strategy to tackle the escalating crisis in the Middle East, focusing on energy security, citizen safety, and diplomatic engagement.
In a comprehensive statement, Modi said the ongoing conflict has created “unexpected economic, security, and humanitarian challenges” for India, while also impacting global markets and livelihoods.
India Pushes Diplomacy, Calls for Peace
The Prime Minister reiterated that India has consistently urged restraint and dialogue. He confirmed that senior ministers, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, have kept Parliament informed on developments.
“India’s position is clear—we support peace and dialogue. Attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure are unacceptable,” Modi said, emphasizing that diplomatic engagement remains the only viable solution.
India has also maintained continuous communication with leaders across the Middle East to ensure stability and safeguard Indian interests.
Safety of Indians Abroad a Top Priority
Highlighting the scale of India’s presence in the region, Modi noted that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, many of them employed in critical sectors, including maritime operations.
Since the conflict began, the government has activated emergency response systems, including 24/7 control rooms and helplines across affected regions.
“Ensuring the safety of every Indian, whether a worker or a tourist, is our highest priority,” Modi said.
He confirmed that over 375,000 Indian nationals have been safely evacuated, including more than 1,000 citizens from Iran, many of whom are students.
Energy Supply and Strategic Preparedness
The Prime Minister acknowledged the risks posed by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
India imports a significant portion of its crude oil, gas, and fertilizers through this route. Despite logistical challenges, Modi assured Parliament that efforts are ongoing to maintain uninterrupted fuel supply.
“We are working with multiple global suppliers to ensure that oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments reach India safely,” he said.
India has also strengthened its long-term energy resilience:
- Expanded import sources from 27 to 41 countries
- Built 5.3 million metric tons of strategic reserves
- Increasing capacity to 6.5 million metric tons
- Boosted domestic production and refining capacity
Agriculture and Fertilizer Supply Secured
Addressing concerns over agriculture, Modi assured farmers that India has sufficient food grain reserves and fertilizer supply.
He highlighted government efforts to stabilize fertilizer prices, noting that during global supply disruptions, Indian farmers continued to receive subsidized urea.
The government has also expanded domestic production and imports of key fertilizers like DAP and NPK, while promoting nano urea and organic farming as sustainable alternatives.
Ethanol Blending and Renewable Energy Gains
Modi emphasized that India’s push for 20% ethanol blending in petrol has significantly reduced dependence on imported fuel.
He also credited railway electrification efforts, stating that without it, India would have required an additional 1.8 billion liters of fuel.
Renewable energy continues to play a key role:
- Solar capacity surged from 3 GW to 140 GW
- Increased reliance on hydro and nuclear energy
- Record coal production to meet rising electricity demand
Security Measures and Economic Monitoring
The government has placed all security agencies on high alert, including coastal and cyber security units, to prevent misuse of the crisis.
An inter-ministerial group is meeting daily to monitor trade flows, imports, and exports, ensuring quick response to emerging challenges.
Modi also warned against misinformation, hoarding, and black marketing, urging strict enforcement and public vigilance.
A Call for Unity and Resilience
Concluding his address, Modi urged citizens and lawmakers to remain united and patient amid global uncertainty.
“India has faced such challenges before. With unity, discipline, and vigilance, we will overcome this as well,” he said.
