Government calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis
With the West Asia conflict escalating, the Centre has called an all-party meeting on Wednesday to review preparedness for the crisis triggered by the US-Israel-Iran war.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated that the ongoing West Asia crisis has shaken the global economy and could take a long time to recover, cautioning that prolonged conflict may trigger serious consequences worldwide. Modi had earlier reviewed the situation on Sunday at the Cabinet Committee on Security while addressing Parliament on Monday and Tuesday.
Sources said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to chair the meeting at the Parliament Annexe around 5 pm. Singh discussed the conflict on Tuesday with CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, General Upendra Dwivedi, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and DRDO Chairman Samir Kamat. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju are expected to attend. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will reportedly not be able to join as he is scheduled to attend a programme in Kerala.
In his Rajya Sabha statement on Tuesday, Modi said the Government has constituted seven empowered groups to evolve strategies on fuel, supply chains, and fertilisers, among others, to mitigate the impact of the Iran-Israel-US conflict. He informed both Houses that the Government is trying to procure gas and crude oil from all available sources and will continue efforts in the coming days.
Modi warned people against taking advantage of the situation and asked State Governments to check black marketing and hoarding. He noted that necessary preparations have been made to ensure an adequate supply of fertilisers. The Prime Minister admitted the war poses “unprecedented challenges” for India in terms of supply of essential goods, including crude, gas, and fertilisers, and said, “self-reliance was the only option.” Acknowledging the constantly changing situation, he called upon citizens to remain prepared for every eventuality.
Modi also assured that the safety of lives and livelihoods of around one crore Indians in the Gulf is a major concern, noting that around 3,75,000 Indians have returned safely, including 1,000 from Iran. “The uninterrupted supply of essential commodities must be the topmost priority for every state, and I earnestly appeal to all state Governments to put special arrangements in place to ensure this,” he said.The opposition, led by Congress, hit out at the Government, calling the PM’s statement on the crisis a “prepared text full of self-praise.”
Modi, Trump talk Hormuz
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks Tuesday on rising tensions in West Asia, with a focus on safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post after the call, Modi said the leaders had a “useful exchange of views,” stressing the need for de-escalation and early restoration of peace. He underscored that keeping the Strait open and secure is “essential for the whole world,” adding both sides agreed to remain in contact on stability efforts.
The discussion was confirmed by Sergio Gor, who said the leaders emphasized uninterrupted maritime traffic and the broader need to protect global energy flows.
The Strait carries nearly a fifth of global oil shipments, making it a critical energy corridor. Concerns have intensified following the US-Israel strikes on Iran February 2026, which triggered retaliatory actions and heightened regional instability.
Officials in Washington and New Delhi warned of risks to shipping and energy infrastructure. For India, heavily reliant on West Asian crude, secure sea lanes remain vital to economic stability and shielding markets from price shocks.
