PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meeting with CMs on West Asia Crisis, Calls for United Response

New Delhi, March 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday chaired a video conference with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to review India’s preparedness amid the evolving situation in West Asia and its potential impact on the country’s economy, energy security, and supply chains.

Emphasising a coordinated national approach, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India would effectively navigate the challenges by working together as “Team India.” He underlined that the government’s top priorities are maintaining economic and trade stability, protecting citizens’ interests, ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, and strengthening industrial and logistical networks.

Modi urged states to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to act firmly against hoarding and profiteering. Stressing the importance of preparedness in the agriculture sector, he called for close monitoring of fertiliser availability and distribution to avoid disruptions during the upcoming Kharif season. He also highlighted the need for strong coordination mechanisms at all levels to enable swift and effective responses to changing developments.

Special focus was placed on border and coastal states, with the Prime Minister noting that these regions may face additional challenges related to shipping, maritime operations, and the movement of essential goods. He directed state governments to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such issues.

Cautioning against the spread of misinformation, Modi emphasised the importance of clear and credible communication. He urged states to activate control rooms, helplines, and appoint nodal officers to ensure timely dissemination of accurate information and to provide assistance to citizens, especially those with family members in West Asia.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the meeting, highlighted steps already taken by the Centre, including the recent reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel and measures to ensure adequate availability of LPG.

Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan presented a detailed assessment of the current situation and outlined key recommendations to enhance preparedness across states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present, along with other senior officials.

Chief Ministers who participated in the meeting welcomed the Centre’s proactive measures and praised the leadership of the Prime Minister, particularly in safeguarding Indian citizens abroad through diplomatic outreach. They also appreciated the reduction in fuel excise duties and the increase in commercial LPG allocations, which have been raised to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels.

The states expressed confidence that the overall situation remains stable, with adequate supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG across the country. They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Centre to manage any emerging challenges.

Among those who attended the meeting were N. Chandrababu Naidu, A. Revanth Reddy, Yogi Adityanath, Omar Abdullah, Bhagwant Mann, Devendra Fadnavis, and several others.

Chief Ministers of poll-bound states, including M. K. Stalin, Mamata Banerjee, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Pinarayi Vijayan, and N. Rangasamy did not attend due to the Model Code of Conduct.

Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister reiterated that tackling the current situation is a shared responsibility and expressed confidence that with collective efforts, India will successfully overcome the challenges posed by the global crisis.