Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged that the ongoing war in West Asia has created unprecedented issues for India, stating that much of the country’s oil and gas needs are tied to the Gulf nations that have been caught in the war for the fourth week now.
“India has economic ties with a lot of countries affected by the war,” PM Modi said in his remarks at the parliament on Monday, March 23, adding that he has held two rounds of talks with the Gulf states and that the Indian diaspora in the region are being cared for.
“Movement of ships from the Strait of Hormuz has become very difficult…We are focusing on ensuring enough supplies of petrol and diesel and other fuel,” he said. “Government is vigilant and monitoring the developments.”
Modi said efforts are underway to maintain adequate availability of petrol, diesel and other fuels, with India already sourcing energy from as many as 41 countries to reduce dependence on any single region.
He said India is engaging with global energy suppliers and remains in constant dialogue with producing nations to secure supplies.
The government is also leveraging its strategic reserves—estimated at around 5.3 million tonnes—to cushion any immediate shocks arising from supply disruptions.
On the logistics front, Modi said steps are being taken to ensure safe passage of Indian vessels through key shipping routes, noting that several ships that were earlier stranded have now reached Indian shores.
The Prime Minister highlighted structural efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including blending 20% ethanol in petrol as well as expanding renewable energy, nuclear power and compressed biogas capacity. Measures such as solar pumps in agriculture are also helping reduce diesel consumption.
The address comes a day after sources told CNBC-TV18 that the PM chaired a high-level meeting Sunday (March 22) evening with senior ministers to review the impact of the war on India’s petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors.
While the government, through routine press briefings by various ministries, has been sharing updates on the impact of the war, it had not outrightly acknowledged the “unprecedented” extent of troubles that the war has brought on India. They had portrayed an image that the situation is under control.
However, the country’s stand to end the war has been repeatedly made clear from the first few days since the war between US-Israel and Iran broke out on February 28.
Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.@netanyahu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026
The closure of Strait of Hormuz soon after spelt trouble for India with impacts felt almost immediately as LPG cylinders became scarce and restaurants and office canteens across major cities struggled to keep their kitchen running.
PM Modi does not see the war-induced problems ending anytime soon.
“It is suspected that the difficult circumstances created by this war are likely to last for a long time. That’s why we need to be prepared and united. During COVID, too, we faced similar challenges. Once again, we need to be ready with the same level of preparedness,” he said.