Adequate petrol, food grain stocks available, Narendra Modi assures Lok Sabha amid West Asia war

Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha at 2 pm on Monday during the Budget Session, outlining India’s stance on the escalating West Asia conflict and its potential impact.

The address followed a high-level government review assessing the crisis’s implications for India’s economy, supply chains and essential commodities, along with measures to minimise disruptions for citizens and businesses. The Prime Minister’s Office said the cabinet secretary presented a detailed overview of the evolving global situation and steps already taken, as well as those being planned across ministries.

The review covered sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exports, shipping, trade and finance. Officials also examined the broader macroeconomic outlook and discussed safeguards to protect India’s economic stability.

The government noted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could have significant short-, medium- and long-term effects on the global economy, and evaluated both immediate and long-term countermeasures.

Tensions have intensified between Iran and the United States, raising concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would “obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iran has responded by threatening strikes on US and Israeli assets.

Meanwhile, Iranian missile strikes hit areas in southern Israel, damaging buildings and injuring dozens near a major nuclear research site.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with over 1,500 deaths reported in Iran and more than 1,000 in Lebanon, alongside casualties in Israel and among US personnel. Millions have been displaced across the region as the fighting continues.