New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a conversation with US President Donald Trump on the evolving situation in West Asia, including the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for global energy supplies.
According to US envoy Sergio Gor, the two leaders exchanged views on regional developments and the implications of the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the Centre has convened an all-party meeting on March 25 to brief political leaders on the situation in West Asia and its possible impact on India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to chair the meeting, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is also likely to be present.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said he would not be able to attend the meeting due to a prior engagement in Kerala.
The meeting follows Prime Minister Modi’s recent statement in Parliament on the West Asia crisis. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he said the government has constituted seven empowered groups to prepare strategies related to fuel availability, supply chains and fertiliser supplies to minimise the impact of the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The Prime Minister noted that the situation has led to pressure on global energy markets and said the government is taking steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.
He also said efforts are underway to secure crude oil and gas supplies from multiple sources to ensure stability in domestic availability.
Modi further assured that arrangements have been made to maintain fertiliser supplies and reduce the impact of global developments on farmers and consumers.
Emphasising India’s long-standing position, the Prime Minister said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path towards resolving the conflict and reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.
He also pointed out the strategic importance of West Asia for India, noting that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, making regional stability a matter of national concern.
