Amidst the war in the Middle East, PM Modi spoke on phone with Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian. PM Modi posted on X and said, I spoke to the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pejeshkian to discuss the serious regional situation. I expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.
PM Modi appealed for talks and diplomacy
PM Modi said, ‘The safety of Indian citizens and the need for uninterrupted transportation of energy remains India’s top priority. I reiterated India’s commitment towards peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy.
The impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East is now clearly visible on the global oil market. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri gave a statement in Parliament regarding the possibility of shortage of LPG gas in India. He said, ’20 percent of the traffic is affected through the Strait of Hormuz. There is enough gas in the country right now. There is no need to panic regarding gas cylinders.
Attempt to create panic regarding LPG: PM Modi
In many states of India, people were seen standing in long lines for LPG cylinders. PM Modi said that I have full faith in 140 crore Indians that like the Covid period, we will overcome this crisis too. PM Modi said, ‘Some people are trying to create panic regarding LPG. Without raising any political issue, I would say that they are exposing themselves. Everyone has an important role to play in dealing with the current crisis arising from the conflict in West Asia – be it political parties, media, youth, cities or villages.
According to the report of news agency PTI, India is in touch with Iran to ensure safe passage for about 28 Indian flagged merchant ships through the strategic shipping of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not allowed any Indian flagged commercial tanker to pass through the Hormuz route in the last four-five days.
Indian flag ships on Hormuz route
According to a senior shipping ministry official, a total of 24 Indian-flagged ships with 677 Indian sailors are currently deployed west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four ships with 101 Indian sailors are deployed to the east of the strategic waterway. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘In recent times, there have been three talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In the last talks, issues related to shipping security and energy security of India were discussed. It would be too early to say anything beyond this.
