West Asia conflict 'worrisome', Indiaadvocating dialogue, diplomacy: PM

Disruption of Strait of Hormuz unacceptable, says Modi

PTI, March 23, 2026, New Delhi: Asserting that India is advocating dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the West Asia crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable and the government is in touch with suppliers from different countries to meet oil and gas needs.

In a statement in the Lok Sabha, Modi also said that every Indian in the war-affected region is being given every possible help, noting that he has spoken to the heads of state of West Asian countries and all have ensured the safety of Indians. Addressing apprehensions of fuel shortage, the Prime Minister said the government is in constant touch with suppliers from various countries to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from wherever possible and informed that all power plants in the country have adequate coal stock. He also said that India is well prepared in terms of food security.

"India has always raised its voice for peace in the interest of humanity. Dialogue and diplomacy are the solutions to this problem. Our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending this conflict," the Prime Minister stated. The war is not in the interest of humanity. Therefore, India's effort is to encourage all parties to swiftly pursue a peaceful resolution, he said, amidst the thumping of desks by the members of the ruling alliance.

Prime Minister Modi said that from the very beginning of the conflict, when the US and Israel attacked Iran and the latter retaliated by targeting its Gulf neighbours and Israel, India has expressed deep concern over the conflict. "I have spoken to the leaders of West Asia and requested them to end the escalation. India has opposed attacks on civilian, energy, and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions in waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable," he said, adding that through diplomacy, India is making continuous efforts to ensure the safe movement of Indian ships in this situation.

Modi termed the ongoing conflict as "worrisome" and said the challenges posed by the crisis have economic, national security and humanitarian aspects. According to the Prime Minister, India has more than 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and the country is also working on arrangements for more than 6.5 million metric tonnes of additional storage.

Apart from this, he said, there are reserves held by the domestic oil companies. "In the last 11 years, our refining capacity has increased significantly, and the government is in constant touch with suppliers from different countries. The effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies continue from wherever possible," he said.

Modi said West Asia is important to India as nearly one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Among the commercial ships that sail in these seas, the number of Indian crew members is also very high. "Due to these varied reasons, India's concerns are naturally greater. Therefore, it is essential that a unanimous and united voice from India's Parliament on this crisis reaches the world," he said.

An artisan gives final touches to an idol of Durga ahead of 'Basanti Puja', a traditional spring-time worship of Goddess Durga, at a workshop in Nadia on Monday