Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a meeting with chief ministers of states and UTs virtually on the conflict in West Asia on Friday (March 27, 2026) to review states’ preparedness and plans. Photo: DPR PMO via ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (March 27, 2026) stressed the need for coordination between the Center and states to overcome the supply chain crisis triggered by the war in West Asia. He also called for “Team India” efforts to ensure supply of fuel and fertilizers and to crack down on hoarders and rumour-mongers.
It was the first such meeting Mr. Modi held with chief ministers and governors of non-polling states and Union territories amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia that began on February 28.
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath, Telangana’s Revanth Reddy, Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann, Gujarat’s Bhupendra Patel, Jammu and Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah, Himachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu were among those who attended the meeting. Karnataka Food and Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa attended the meeting instead of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Home Minister Govind Mohan were also present in the meeting.
According to a report issued after the meeting, Mr Modi said India had previous experience in dealing with similar global disruptions. “He recalled the collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Center and states worked together as ‘Team India’ to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade and daily life. He emphasized that the same spirit of cooperation and coordination remains India’s greatest strength in coping with the current circumstances,” the report said.
Emphasis was placed on the need for advance planning in agriculture, especially in monitoring storage and distribution of fertilizers so that farmers do not face hardships during the upcoming Kharif season.
He called for a special focus on border and coastal states to address any emerging issues related to shipping, essential supplies and maritime operations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public confidence and noted that assurances on the availability of essential commodities would help prevent unnecessary panic among citizens. He further suggested that states with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers and establish district-level support systems to help affected families and ensure timely flow of information.
India was vulnerable to fuel supply chain disruptions and Mr Modi said states should take the lead in accelerating efforts to promote alternative energy sources such as biofuels, solar power, the GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility and also expanding natural gas pipeline connections. He also asked the states to coordinate with the Center for further exploration of domestic oil and gas production.
Mr. Singh termed the reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel as a positive step by the government. Mr. Somanathan made a presentation highlighting some of the steps, including the central state system and the district level monitoring system, that need to be developed to address the situation.
According to the report, the chief ministers appreciated the cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel as well as the decision to increase the commercial allocation of LPG to states and union territories to 70% of pre-crisis levels from 50%.
The Union Government has also established a Group of Ministers to coordinate regularly during the crisis, especially with regard to inter-ministerial areas.
Mr. Somanathan will soon hold a separate meeting of the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Kerala as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Published – 27 March 2026 23:57 IST
