New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday termed the ground situation of the West Asia conflict as “uncertain and volatile”, and stressed the need for “India to remain prepared not only for de-escalation but also for any renewed escalation”.Rajnath said this at the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), headed by him, that reviewed the current situation in West Asia and discussed India’s preparedness as well as the future course of action during its fourth meeting.
In a post on X, the minister said the govt under the leadership of PM Modi continues to take swift and effective action to mitigate any potential risks or problems arising due to the Gulf conflict. The minister made special mention of the Cabinet’s approval of a proposal for the creation of ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’. “This important decision will ensure affordable and continuous insurance coverage for India’s maritime trade, strengthening the security and stability of India’s import-export operations. This is a major step towards a stronger, safer and more resilient trade ecosystem for India,” he said.The IGoM was informed that despite a significant global supply shock, India has maintained adequate fuel stock position, with active efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply.Currently, India has inventories of crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF sufficient for over 60 days of consumption. While LNG stocks sufficient for approximately 50 days and LPG stocks sufficient for 40 days, respectively, are maintained supported by domestic production. To mitigate risks arising from heavy dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, the govt has actively diversified import sources, securing crude, LNG and LPG supplies from regions, including the US, Australia, and Latin America. Import requirements for April and May 2026 are largely secured, ensuring continuity of supply.Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is being actively promoted wherever feasible to reduce LPG dependence. Since March 2026, over 4.7 lakh PNG connections have been gasified. Further, more than 5.33 lakh customers have been registered for new connections. An inter-ministerial joint working group has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market.The ministers were informed that the Wholesale Price Index as well as Retail prices of all food commodities are stable and range bound. Additional allocation of 25 LMT wheat has been recommended for export. Consumer grievances with respect to LPG are showing declining trend on national consumer helpline 1915. The meeting was informed that several Indian missions abroad are coordinating for different kinds of fertilisers and input for use in India.Describing the well-being and welfare of the Indian diaspora as the govtt’s top priority, Rajnath underlined the need to maintain constant communication with them as well as the nations concerned in the Gulf region to provide all possible assistance.
