
PM Modi's Speech in Lok Sabha Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 23 March, addressed the Lok Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He will speak in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
PM Modi's address to the lower house of Parliament came amid escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted critical maritime corridors and raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Gulf nations.
PM Modi touched upon India’s position on the evolving situation, including its diplomatic engagement, concerns over regional stability, and the impact on global energy and trade routes, in his address. It was his first in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
Reiterating India's emphasis on resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy, PM Modi said that attacks on commercial vessels and the blockage of international waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable. He also highlighted that India has been continuously making diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships, even in this war-like environment.
"India has always advocated for the welfare of humanity and peace," he said.
The address comes a day after PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Sunday to review the situation in the Middle East. During the meeting, the prime minister directed the formation of a group of ministers and secretaries to work diligently to address the situation arising from the West Asia conflict, according to news agency PTI.
On 28 February, the US and Israel launched a joint strike on Iran in which the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. Iran retaliated with strikes against its oil-exporting Muslim nation in its neighbourhood. The conflict also affected the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key channel that carries around a fifth of the world's oil supply, disrupting trade.
Earlier, the prime minister spoke with leaders in the region, including those of Iran and other Arab nations, many times since the conflict began after US-Israel strikes on Iran on 28 February.
PM Modi Speech LIVE: After PM Narendra Modi's speech in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has said that when he speaks about caste census and the RSS, the prime minister speaks against me.
Prime Minister Modi said that the difficult global conditions caused by this war are likely to persist for a long time and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united, as it had during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urging patience, restraint, and vigilance, and cautioning against those who may seek to exploit the situation by spreading falsehoods, engaging in black-marketing, or hoarding, PM Modi appealed through the House to all state governments to ensure strict monitoring and swift action against such elements. Expressing his abiding faith in the collective resolve of the nation, PM Modi said.
Reaffirming India's unwavering commitment to humanity and peace, the Prime Minister stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolution. Noting that every Indian effort is directed at de-escalation and the cessation of hostilities, and that the endangering of any life in this war runs counter to the interests of humanity, Shri Modi remarked, "India's effort is to encourage all parties to arrive at a peaceful resolution as soon as possible."
The Prime Minister highlighted the government's commitment to empowering farmers through innovations like Made-in-India Nano Urea, the promotion of natural farming, and the distribution of over 22 lakh solar pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme to reduce farmers' dependence on diesel.
On the impact of the war on agriculture, the Prime Minister reassured the House that India's farmers have ensured adequate foodgrain stocks and that the government is working to facilitate proper Kharif sowing and has built robust emergency food arrangements in recent years. Recalling how, even during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated global supply chain disruptions, when urea prices soared to ₹3,000 per bag in international markets ,the government ensured that Indian farmers received the same bag at less than ₹300, Shri Modi declared, "In the past too, our government did not allow the burden of global crises to fall on the farmers."
The Prime Minister noted that India has prioritised the stockpiling of crude oil for precisely such times of crisis. He informed the House that India today possesses a Strategic Petroleum Reserve of more than 53 lakh metric tonnes, with work underway to build reserves exceeding 65 lakh metric tonnes, in addition to the separate reserves held by oil companies. Highlighting the overall enhancement of India's refining ecosystem, PM Modi asserted, "Over the past 11 years, there has been a remarkable increase in our refining capacity as well."
PM Narendra Modi will speak in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow, 24 March on various aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and India’s strategy.
On PM Modi's statement in Parliament on West Asia crisis, AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, that the government has forcibly put India in trouble. “We have always stood with you in times of national crisis. We even urged you to have talks with Iran...When the opposition gives you sound and timely advice, you should heed that advice too," Singh said.
BJP MP Arun Govil said that PM Modi's remarks in Lok Sabha were positive and that's how it should be because whenever a crisis arises, unless we all come together, we cannot resolve it. “The Prime Minister always remains positive, and even today, he has said the same things,” he said.
BJP MP Tejashwi Surya says," The PM has given a detailed and assuring reply to the Parliament and the whole nation, reading the evolving West Asia crisis. He has also called for a political unity, a unity that is integral to India's communication towards a crisis of this nature. He has assured the common man that India's energy security is being taken care of and farmers of India are well protected..."
Earlier, India used to import energy from 27 countries, now the figure has risen to 41, PM Modi said in Lok Sabha. Continuous efforts are on to ensure petrol, diesel supply is smooth across India.
On PM Modi's statement in Parliament on West Asia conflict, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says," He has made the country aware about the situation. There should be a discussion on this issue in the Parliament..."
PM Modi urged citizens to be on alert, amid war in the Middle East. “Beware of those who spread misinformation. Hoarders, blackmailers will be death with strictly. we can challenge all challenges if we stay united,”
Therefore, India's efforts are to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful resolution as soon as possible, PM Modi said.
"When such crises arise, some elements try to exploit them. Therefore, all law-and-order agencies have been put on alert. Security is being further strengthened, be it coastal security, border security, cyber security, or strategic installations..." he said.
Attacks on commercial vessels and the blockage of international waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable, PM Modi said on Monday.
“India is continuously making efforts through diplomacy to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships, even in this war-like environment. India has always advocated for the welfare of humanity and peace. I reiterate that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to this problem. All our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending this conflict. Endangering the lives of anyone in this war is not in the interest of humanity,” he said in Lok Sabha.
“India's role in diplomacy is clear. From the beginning, we have expressed our deep concern about this conflict. I have personally spoken to all the relevant leaders in West Asia. I have urged everyone to de-escalate tensions and end this conflict. India has condemned attacks on civilians, energy, and transport infrastructure,” PM Modi said
The government is sensitive, alert, and ready to provide assistance in every possible way, PM Modi said in Parliament today.
"A significant portion of India’s crude oil, gas, and fertiliser supplies comes through the Strait of Hormuz. In the current situation, movement of ships through the Strait has become very challenging. Despite this, the government is making every effort to ensure that the supply of petrol, diesel, and gas is not significantly affected. Our focus remains on minimising difficulties for common households. We all know that India meets nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirement through imports. Due to supply uncertainties, the government has prioritised domestic use of LPG, while also increasing production within the country. Even as petrol and diesel supplies continue across the country, the government is consistently working to address these challenges.” he said
Economies around the world are being affected by the current crisis, and continuous efforts are being made to minimise its impact., PM Modi said in Lok Sabha today. “The Government of India has formed an inter-ministerial group that meets daily to assess challenges in imports and exports and work on necessary solutions,” he said.
PM Modi said Indian missions in the affected countries are continuously engaged in helping Indians. He said that whether it's Indians working there or tourists who have gone there, everyone is being provided with all possible assistance.
"Our missions are regularly issuing advisories. 24/7 outreach rooms and emergency helplines have been established in India and other affected countries. Through these, all affected people are being provided with the latest information. In times of crisis, the safety of Indians in India and abroad is crucial..." PM said
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