New Delhi, Mar 23 (BNP): Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the evolving situation arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict and directed a coordinated government response to mitigate its impact on India’s economy and essential supplies.
During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary made a detailed presentation on the global scenario and outlined measures already undertaken as well as those being planned by various ministries and departments. The CCS reviewed the likely implications of the conflict across key sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, trade, shipping, finance and supply chains.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the conflict could have significant short-, medium- and long-term implications for the global economy and its ripple effects on India, and called for proactive and calibrated countermeasures.
A comprehensive assessment of the availability of essential commodities, including food, fuel and energy, was undertaken. The government expressed confidence that adequate arrangements are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply, with detailed strategies discussed for immediate as well as long-term requirements.
The CCS also reviewed the impact on agriculture, particularly fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season. It noted that sufficient buffer stocks have been maintained and discussed alternative sourcing strategies to ensure continued supply to farmers.
On the energy front, the government assessed that adequate coal stocks at power plants would prevent any disruption in electricity supply across the country.
The meeting also deliberated on diversifying import sources for critical inputs required by the chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals sectors. In parallel, efforts will be made to identify and develop new export destinations to promote Indian goods.
The Prime Minister directed that a group of ministers and secretaries be constituted to oversee a “whole-of-government” approach, with dedicated sectoral groups working in consultation with stakeholders to implement mitigation measures.
Stressing the need to minimise the impact on citizens, Modi instructed all arms of the government to work in close coordination and ensure that there is no inconvenience to the public. He also called for effective coordination with state governments to prevent black-marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.
Describing the situation as dynamic, the Prime Minister said continuous monitoring and timely intervention would be critical to safeguarding national interests.
