PM Modi Chairs CCS Meeting on West Asia Conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security in New Delhi on Wednesday to review government measures addressing the ongoing conflict in West Asia and to discuss additional steps to protect Indian citizens from its effects. The session, held amid disruptions to global supply chains from the fifth week of the regional turmoil, focused on ensuring the availability of essential commodities such as fertilizers, liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas.

The conflict escalated on February 28 when the United States and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliation from Iran that included restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of the world's energy trade. This has led to volatility in global energy markets and supply chain interruptions affecting India. Wednesday's gathering marked the second such high-level review, following an initial meeting on March 22.

Modi directed ministries and departments to implement all possible actions to ease challenges for citizens and affected sectors, including agriculture, energy, shipping, aviation, logistics and micro, small and...