PM Modi to chair high-level meeting to review energy preparedness amid Middle East tensions

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting on Sunday evening to review India’s energy preparedness amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with senior ministers set to assess the situation in the petroleum, power and fertiliser sectors, PTI reported citing sources.The meeting will focus on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across the country. Officials said continuous monitoring of global developments remains a priority to protect consumer and industry interests amid the ongoing crisis.On March 12, PM Modi had said that the war in West Asia has triggered a worldwide energy crisis, calling it a “critical test of national character” that requires handling the situation with peace, patience and greater public awareness.The prime minister had also emphasised that the government is working relentlessly to address disruptions in international supply chains. “Continuous efforts are also underway to determine how we can overcome the disruptions that have occurred in the supply chain,” he said.The conflict, now in its third week, began on February 28 with attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, has since escalated, with Iran retaliating against Israel and several Gulf neighbours.Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for energy supplies, has significantly impacted movement, with limited ships allowed to pass. The resulting blockade has disrupted energy supplies to several countries, including India.Since the conflict began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held telephonic conversations with several global leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, France, Malaysia, Israel and Iran.