India pushes diplomatic offensive as West Asia war triggers global energy crisis, PM Modi tells Rajya Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday warned that the ongoing war in West Asia has triggered a “serious energy crisis” with direct implications for India’s economy, trade routes and diaspora, while asserting that New Delhi is actively pursuing diplomacy to restore stability and secure critical supplies.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session, Modi said the conflict, now in its fourth week, has disrupted global energy flows and maritime movement, particularly through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

“This war has created a serious energy crisis across the world. For India as well, this situation is a matter of concern, as our trade routes are being affected,” he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted that nearly 10 million Indians live and work across Gulf nations, making their safety a top priority. “The safety of their lives and livelihoods is also a major concern for India,” he said, adding that several international vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with a significant number of Indian crew members onboard. “This too is a matter of serious concern for us.”

Modi said India has intensified diplomatic outreach since the conflict began, holding multiple rounds of conversations with leaders across West Asia and maintaining constant engagement with Gulf countries as well as key global stakeholders. “We are also in touch with Iran, Israel and the United States. Our goal is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

Calling attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions to international waterways “unacceptable,” Modi reiterated India’s opposition to strikes on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy and transport networks. He said New Delhi has consistently pushed for de-escalation and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global crude oil supplies pass.

The Prime Minister noted that the conflict has made maritime movement “very challenging,” affecting the routine supply of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers. Despite this, he said the government is working to ensure uninterrupted supplies. “The effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies reach India from wherever possible,” he said, adding that crude oil and LPG shipments have arrived in recent days from multiple countries.

He emphasized that India has diversified its energy import base over the years, expanding sourcing from 27 to 41 countries, reducing dependence on any single region. “The country is already seeing the results of these efforts,” he said.

Modi also sought to reassure citizens about domestic preparedness, stating that the government is monitoring the situation closely and has strategies in place for short-, medium- and long-term impacts. “The fundamentals of our economy are strong,” he said.

On agriculture, the Prime Minister said adequate arrangements have been made to ensure fertiliser availability and protect farmers from the fallout of the crisis. “The continuous effort of the government is that farmers do not bear the burden of any crisis,” he said, adding, “I once again assure the farmers of the country that the government stands with them to address every challenge.”

The remarks came a day after Modi briefed the Lok Sabha on the same issue, underscoring the government’s focus on safeguarding Indian nationals abroad and maintaining stable supplies of essential commodities amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

The conflict, which escalated following clashes involving Iran and its adversaries, has led to heightened risks in key energy corridors, raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions and wider economic consequences if the situation persists.