India's Comprehensive Strategy for Citizen Safety Amid West Asia Crisis

In response to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Indian government is implementing extensive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and maintain energy security. With over 375,000 Indians repatriated from conflict zones, Prime Minister Modi emphasizes the importance of safeguarding lives while enhancing domestic energy production. The government is actively engaging with West Asian nations to promote peace and has launched initiatives to bolster local shipbuilding and reduce reliance on foreign imports. This article delves into the government's comprehensive strategy, including measures against hoarding and black marketing, ensuring adequate supplies of essential commodities, and maintaining smooth operations across ports and airports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 11:56 IST

Government's Commitment to Citizen Safety

New Delhi, March 25: In light of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Indian government is taking extensive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in conflict zones, secure gas and fuel supplies, and promote long-term energy independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the primary focus is on protecting citizens. Over 375,000 Indians have been evacuated from conflict areas, including more than 700 medical students from Iran, with necessary support and medical assistance provided to affected families.

Additionally, the Prime Minister has engaged in two rounds of discussions with leaders from various West Asian nations, maintaining ongoing communication with Gulf countries, Iran, Israel, and the United States to facilitate peace talks. These discussions aim to de-escalate tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

India has firmly condemned attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, labeling such actions as unacceptable, and has called for all parties to pursue a peaceful resolution.

All Indian refineries are currently operating at optimal capacity with sufficient crude oil reserves. Domestic LPG production has seen an increase, and petrol and diesel stocks are adequate, despite some panic buying fueled by unfounded rumors that the government has addressed.

The government has ensured that vessels carrying crude oil and LPG are arriving from various nations and is actively working on contingency plans to maintain a steady supply.

In the meantime, India has expanded its crude, LNG, and LPG imports from 27 to 41 countries, established strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3 million tonnes (with plans to increase to 6.5 million tonnes), and enhanced refining capabilities. The government is also promoting piped natural gas (PNG) alongside LPG and increasing domestic LPG production.

To lessen reliance on foreign shipping and imports, a ₹70,000 crore 'Made-in-India' shipbuilding initiative has been launched, aimed at expanding shipbuilding, ship-breaking, and maintenance capacities. The defense sector has similarly been strengthened to produce most weaponry domestically.

PM Modi assured that adequate fertilizer supplies are in place, ensuring that farmers are not adversely affected by the crisis. States have been instructed to maintain benefits like the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for the underprivileged, laborers, and migrant workers, while taking action against hoarding.

The government has prioritized gas supply for restaurants, dhabas, canteens, and migrant workers, restoring 20% of commercial LPG supply and subsequently increasing allocations to raise overall commercial LPG supply to States and UTs to 50%.

Priority sectors continue to receive 100% of domestic PNG and CNG supplies, while industrial and commercial consumers are receiving approximately 80% of their usual gas usage. Over 7,500 PNG connections were activated in a single day.

In a strict crackdown on hoarding and black marketing, states are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Control Order to combat malpractices; 32 States and UTs have established control rooms, and 33 have district monitoring committees.

Enforcement agencies have conducted around 3,400 raids, seizing approximately 1,000 cylinders, filing 642 FIRs, and arresting 155 individuals, while PSU Oil Marketing Companies have performed over 1,500 surprise inspections.

Regarding maritime safety, all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. Two Indian LPG ships, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to Indian ports.

The Directorate General of Shipping is overseeing 20 Indian-flagged vessels with about 540 seafarers, operates a 24/7 control room, and has already repatriated more than 585 seafarers. Ports across India have expanded storage capacity and continue to operate cargo services smoothly.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions are maintaining 24/7 helplines, collaborating with community organizations, and facilitating visa processes. Since February 28, approximately 402,000 passengers have returned to India.

Flights are ongoing from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, while alternative routes through Saudi Arabia and Armenia/Azerbaijan/Jordan are assisting Indians in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, and Israel.