Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, March 23, reiterated that attacks on merchant vessels and blocking international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable. In a speech in the Lok Sabha, the prime minister said India was making efforts through diplomacy to ensure that the key channel was safe for Indian ships to pass through, and also argued that “dialogue and diplomacy” were needed to resolve the crisis in West Asia.
Prime Minister Modi said, “India is constantly making efforts through diplomacy to ensure safe passage of Indian ships, even in this environment of war. India has always stood for the welfare of humanity and peace.”
“I repeat that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to this problem. All our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending this conflict. It is not in the interest of humanity to endanger the lives of anyone in this war,” he said in the Lok Sabha, describing the prevailing situation in the Middle East as “disturbing”.
He said the situation is adversely affecting the global economy and people’s livelihoods.
“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.
The Prime Minister also said that the movement of cargo through the Strait of Hormuz has been a challenge since the start of the war. Responding to concerns over the shortage of LPG in the country, PM Modi said the government is ensuring that gas and fuel supplies remain least affected.
“We all know that India imports 60 percent of its LPG needs. Due to uncertain supply, the government is prioritizing domestic supply. The country’s LPG production is also increasing,” he said, adding, “Conflict-affected countries share extensive trade relations with India. The region fulfills a significant portion of our oil and gas requirements. It is also important because around 1 million Indians live and work there.”
“Since the beginning of the war, the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has become very difficult. Despite this, our government has made efforts to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel and gas is not seriously affected. Efforts are also being made continuously to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel throughout the country remains smooth,” he said.
