PM Modi Leads CCS Meeting to Address West Asia Crisis and Seafarer Safety

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the fourth special session of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to evaluate the ongoing turmoil in West Asia and to assess the actions being undertaken by various governmental ministries and departments to protect India's interests in the region. This meeting comes amid escalating tensions that have raised concerns for the safety of Indian nationals abroad, particularly those residing in or traveling through conflict-affected areas. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of a cohesive and systematic approach to monitor developments in West Asia, ensuring that measures to safeguard Indian citizens and the diaspora are implemented swiftly and effectively.

During the session, the Cabinet Secretary provided an overview of the current geopolitical landscape and detailed the initiatives taken to secure a stable supply of essential resources, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and fertilizers. The briefing highlighted that the government has successfully diversified its sources for LPG procurement, which has contributed to a stable supply chain. Additionally, the availability of crude oil has allowed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to operate their refineries at over 100% capacity, ensuring that the production of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products remains uninterrupted. The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections has significantly increased accessibility, while efforts to enhance the National Gas Grid and improve LNG import and regasification infrastructure are ongoing, aimed at bolstering the energy supply for industrial use.