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New Delhi, India March 28: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the first meeting of the informal Group of Ministers (GoM) on the West Asia crisis on Saturday evening, as the Centre continues high-level reviews of the evolving geopolitical situation and its implications for India.
The meeting comes amid a series of consultations held by the Union Government to assess the conflict’s potential impact, particularly on fuel supplies and the safety of Indian nationals in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring developments and remains in constant touch with Indian missions to provide timely assistance.
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to review national preparedness in view of the disruptions emerging from West Asia. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi appreciated the suggestions shared by state leaders and emphasised vigilance, coordinated action, and real-time information sharing.
Referring to India’s experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of cooperative federalism, saying that the “Team India” approach remains essential in mitigating current challenges to supply chains, trade flows, and essential services.
PM Modi noted that an Inter-Ministerial Group has been meeting daily since March 3 to assess the situation and take timely decisions. He highlighted the government’s priorities, including maintaining economic stability, ensuring energy security, safeguarding citizens abroad, and strengthening supply chains.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the meeting, said the Centre has been proactive under the Prime Minister’s leadership—ensuring steady LPG availability, reducing excise duties on petrol and diesel, and coordinating with states and Union Territories. He called for unified and sustained efforts at all administrative levels.
Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan presented an overview of the current situation and shared recommendations for the states to ensure preparedness and continuity of essential services.
Chief Ministers across states welcomed the Centre’s measures, praising the Prime Minister’s diplomatic outreach to key nations amid the crisis. They expressed confidence that fuel supplies remain stable, with adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG, supported by robust monitoring mechanisms.
Leaders also endorsed the central government’s decision to cut excise duty on fuel and increase the allocation of commercial LPG to states and UTs from 50% to 70% of pre-crisis levels, noting that these steps would offer significant relief to citizens.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic discussion on the unfolding situation in West Asia and the broader geopolitical ramifications.
States reaffirmed their commitment to work in close coordination with the Centre to manage the evolving scenario and safeguard public interests.
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