PM Modi chairs CCS meet on West Asia conflict, reviews fuel and fertiliser supplies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The prime minister directed the government to adopt a unified monitoring mechanism, ensure uninterrupted supplies of fuel and fertilisers, and safeguard Indian citizens, including seafarers and the diaspora, according to an official statement.

The meeting was the fourth special sitting of the CCS on the West Asia situation.

The Cabinet Secretary briefed the CCS on the geopolitical developments and the steps taken by various ministries to ensure adequate availability of petroleum products, including LNG and LPG, as well as fertilisers.

According to the government, LPG procurement sources have already been diversified and stocks of major petroleum products remain adequate.

It said sufficient crude oil availability has enabled central public sector refineries to operate at utilisation levels of over 100%, ensuring continued production of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products.

The government also highlighted measures to expand piped natural gas (PNG) connections and facilitate industrial substitution of LPG through expansion of the national gas grid, LNG import and regasification infrastructure, city gas distribution networks, and faster pipeline connectivity approvals under the Pipeline Infrastructure Order, 2026.

The CCS also reviewed fertiliser requirements for the upcoming Rabi season and discussed alternate sourcing options.

Modi directed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supplies, the statement said.

The situation of Indian seafarers serving on domestic as well as foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones also came up for discussion.

A total of 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives in West Asia since the outbreak of the conflict, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.

The prime minister directed that a mechanism be established to provide timely information, emergency assistance and counselling to seafarers and their families.

He also stressed that every effort should be made to safeguard Indian citizens and the Indian diaspora from the impact of the conflict.

Modi said the country should continue to focus on renewable energy sources, including solar power and other non-fossil fuel-based energy.

He also directed that a whole-of-government approach be maintained to deal with challenges arising from the crisis and asked for a unified and coordinated mechanism to regularly monitor developments to ensure swift implementation of measures to protect citizens' interests.