Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Lok Sabha during the second part of the budget session of Parliament in New Delhi on Monday, March 23, 2026. | Photo credit: Sansad TV
Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday (March 23, 2026) on key aspects of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, PM Modi described the prevailing situation in West Asia as “alarming” as it has a very adverse impact on the global economy and people’s livelihood.
“The current situation in West Asia is alarming. This crisis has been going on for more than three weeks and is having a very adverse impact on the global economy and people’s lives. The whole world is urging all parties to resolve this crisis as soon as possible,” PM Modi said.
He also said that the movement of cargo through the Strait of Hormuz has been a challenge since the start of the war, but the government is ensuring that gas and fuel supplies remain least affected.
“We all know that India imports 60% of its LPG requirements. Due to uncertain supply, the government is prioritizing domestic supply. LPG production in the country is also increasing,” he said.
PM Modi also said that the Indian Parliament should send a united voice on the crisis in West Asia, adding, “When it comes to diplomacy, India’s role is quite clear,” adding that the government advocates de-escalation of the ongoing war between Israel, the US and Iran.
“Dialogue and diplomacy are the solution to the crisis in West Asia, our efforts are aimed at reducing tension and ending the conflict,” he noted. “The situation resulting from this war will be felt for a long time. We must be prepared and remain united,” Mr. Modi added.
“Some elements are trying to take advantage of the situation and therefore law and order needs to be closely monitored,” he noted.
The Congress on Monday (March 23, 2026) suggested that India lead peace talks in West Asia and also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inform citizens about steps being taken to address LPG shortages and rising inflation.
PM Modi also said that every Indian in the affected areas has been provided with necessary assistance since the beginning of the conflict.
“In two rounds, I spoke to most of the heads of state in West Asia on the phone. And they all assured the safety of Indians,” he said.
Unfortunately, the Prime Minister said, some people lost their lives in the conflict and some were injured.
“Help is being provided to the affected families,” PM Modi noted.
PM Modi on fertilizers, energy crisis
Talking about the impact of the war on agriculture, Mr Modi said the government had made adequate provision for fertilisers. He claimed that the government has not allowed the impact of Covid to be felt by the farmers. The Prime Minister assured farmers in India that the government will do everything to help them.
PM Modi also commented on the energy crisis in Parliament, saying that in the last decade, India has prepared for crises like this by prioritizing oil storage.
“Today, India has 53,000,000 tonnes of strategic reserve petrol. The country is tapping into reserves of 56,000,000 metric tonnes that are available. This is separate from oil companies’ reserves. Our refining capacity has also increased significantly in the last 11 years,” he added.
On the West Asian conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Due to such efforts, many of our ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz have also reached India. We save about 4.5 million barrels of oil imports every year because of ethanol blending. … pic.twitter.com/MaURhm7jvC
— ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2026
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – 23 March 2026 16:22 IST
