PM Modi Leads Conference on India's Preparedness Amid West Asia Tensions

In a significant video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gathered Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to discuss India's preparedness in response to the evolving situation in West Asia. The meeting focused on maintaining economic stability, ensuring energy security, and safeguarding supply chains. Modi emphasized the importance of collaboration among states and proactive measures to combat misinformation. With a commitment to addressing challenges collectively, the Prime Minister reassured that India would navigate the crisis effectively. Key leaders from various states participated, while those from poll-bound regions abstained due to the Model Code of Conduct. This meeting highlights the government's strategic approach to managing potential impacts on the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 23:08 IST

Reviewing India's Readiness

New Delhi: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a video conference with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to assess India's readiness in response to the changing dynamics in West Asia and its potential repercussions on the nation's economy, energy security, and supply chains.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that through collaborative efforts, referred to as 'Team India', the country would successfully navigate these challenges. He emphasized that the government's primary focus is on maintaining economic stability, protecting citizens' interests, ensuring energy security, and bolstering industry and supply chains.

He called on states to facilitate the uninterrupted operation of supply chains and to implement stringent actions against hoarding and price gouging.

Modi underscored the importance of strategic planning in agriculture, particularly regarding the monitoring of fertilizer storage and distribution to avert disruptions during the forthcoming Kharif season. He also advocated for strong coordination across all governance levels to enable prompt responses to changing circumstances.

He highlighted the necessity for special attention to border and coastal states to tackle issues related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime activities.

The Prime Minister warned against the spread of misinformation and rumors, stressing the need for accurate and reliable information to maintain public trust. He urged states to set up control rooms, helplines, and designate nodal officers to ensure timely communication and assistance for citizens, especially those with family members in West Asia.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the meeting, mentioned that the government has already taken proactive measures, including lowering excise duties on petrol and diesel and ensuring the timely supply of LPG.

Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan provided a comprehensive evaluation of the situation and suggested recommendations for states to enhance their preparedness. Senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, were present.

Chief Ministers acknowledged the Centre's initiatives under the Prime Minister's guidance, including diplomatic efforts to protect Indian citizens abroad. They welcomed the excise duty reduction on fuel and the increase in commercial LPG allocations to states, which have now reached 70% of pre-crisis levels.

They expressed confidence in the stability of the situation, with sufficient supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate closely with the Centre.

In closing, the Prime Minister reiterated that overcoming this challenge is a collective responsibility and assured that with united efforts, India will successfully manage the crisis.

Among the Chief Ministers who participated were N. Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Vishnu Deo Sai (Chhattisgarh), A. Revanth Reddy (Telangana), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Omar Abdullah (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Hemant Soren (Jharkhand), Pushkar Singh Dhami (Uttarakhand), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat), and Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra).

Notably, Chief Ministers from poll-bound states—M.K. Stalin (Tamil Nadu), Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Pinarayi Vijayan (Kerala), and N. Rangasamy (Puducherry)—did not attend due to the Model Code of Conduct.