New Delhi, March 24: India is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation in West Asia, including the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran. The government is actively working to diversify sources to ensure energy security in the country, as well as to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in Gulf countries through alternative routes.
Speaking at an inter-ministerial press conference on recent developments in West Asia on Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Indian government is closely monitoring the ongoing developments in West Asia, and energy security, along with the safe return of Indian citizens, is a top priority. Nearly 450,000 Indians have returned home so far. The spokesperson stated that the External Affairs Minister recently held talks with the US Secretary of State and his Sri Lankan counterpart to discuss the regional situation, its impact on the global economy, and energy security issues.
Jaiswal informed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) here to discuss the current situation and express gratitude for the support being provided to the Indian community living in the region. He said that India is committed to advancing regional cooperation under its “Neighborhood First” policy and “Vision Ocean.”
Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that flights to India from various countries in West Asia are continuing. He said that approximately 85 flights are expected to operate from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while regular flights are also continuing from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Qatar’s airspace is partially open, with a limited number of flights operating from there. However, the airspace of Kuwait and Bahrain remains closed.
Mahajan said that alternative routes are being used for the safe return of Indian citizens. Indians from Iran are being brought back via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while those from Israel are being repatriated via Jordan. Due to travel disruptions from Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, the return of citizens is also being ensured through Saudi Arabia. He said that so far, more than 420,000 Indian citizens have returned home safely.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that all petrol pumps across the country are operating normally and there is adequate availability of petrol and diesel. She appealed to the people not to pay attention to rumours and avoid panic buying.
She stated that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) recently directed city gas distribution (CGD) companies to provide PNG connections to residential schools, colleges, hostels, community kitchens, and Anganwadi centers within five days, wherever pipeline infrastructure is available.
Regarding LPG supplies, she stated that the current geopolitical situation has had some impact, but sufficient cargo is lined up, and no distributor is facing a shortage. He noted that panic bookings were recently seen in some locations, but supply and delivery remained completely normal. LPG cylinders are being provided to all domestic consumers, and PNG supplies are also continuing uninterrupted.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, stated that all Indian ships and sailors in the Gulf region are completely safe, and no maritime incidents have been reported in the last 24 hours. He stated that two Indian-flagged LPG vessels—Pine Gas and Jag Vasant—are safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz and heading towards India.
He stated that Pine Gas is expected to arrive at New Mangalore Port on March 27th with approximately 45,000 metric tons of LPG, while Jag Vasant is expected to arrive at Kandla Port on March 26th with approximately 47,600 metric tons of LPG. There are currently 20 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, carrying 540 Indian seafarers.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha also stated that there is no congestion at any Indian port and that constant coordination is being maintained with all major and non-major ports. In the past 24 hours, the Directorate General of Shipping’s control room received 146 calls and 226 emails, which were timely addressed. During the same period, 26 Indian seafarers were safely repatriated from the Gulf region.
The government has once again clarified that the country’s energy supply is completely normal and citizens need not worry. It has also urged people to avoid rumors and rely only on official information.