The war has severely disrupted global energy supplies. Iran has effectively restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz—the critical chokepoint for roughly 20% to 30% of the world’s oil and gas shipments—resulting in a sharp decline in tanker traffic, a surge in oil prices, and widespread economic concerns. In his address, Prime Minister Modi described the situation as “a cause for concern,” highlighting its adverse impact on the global economy and on people’s lives. There is a broad call from the international community for an early resolution of the dispute. He emphasized that India’s stakes are rising, given that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries, and that a large number of Indian seafarers are employed on commercial vessels in the region.

Key points from Modi’s address are as follows:

* Since the outbreak of the conflict, more than 375,000 Indians have been safely evacuated, including approximately 1,000 from Iran (over 700 of whom are medical students). * The government has launched comprehensive consular support, including a 24-hour hotline, regular advisory updates, and direct assurances from Middle Eastern leaders regarding the safety of Indian citizens. The injured are receiving medical treatment, and the families of the deceased have been provided with assistance. * Energy security measures include import diversification (with the number of import source countries increasing from 27 to 41 over the past decade), a strategic petroleum reserve exceeding 5.3 million metric tons (currently undergoing expansion), enhanced domestic refining capacity, and progress in alternative energy sources, such as ethanol blending (currently around 20%), railway electrification, metro system expansion, and renewable energy (which accounts for half of the total installed capacity, with solar power capacity having reached 140 gigawatts). * Despite the challenges in the Strait of Hormuz, the supply of gasoline, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas, and fertilizers remains a priority to minimize disruptions for ordinary households. * Agricultural safeguard measures include the construction of a new urea plant, diversification of fertilizer imports, promotion of nano-urea, development of natural farming, and solar-powered pumps under the PM-KUSUM scheme. * The power sector is well-prepared, as evidenced by record coal production, ample stockpiles, and a renewable energy milestone (total installed capacity exceeding 250 GW). * At the diplomatic level, India advocates de-escalation, dialogue, and peace; opposes attacks on civilians and infrastructure; and regards the obstruction of international waterways as unacceptable. Prime Minister Modi personally engaged with regional leaders, urging them to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safe passage of ships. * Domestically, security agencies are maintaining a high level of alert along the coast, on the border, in cyberspace, and in strategic sectors to prevent any parties from exploiting the current crisis. * The Prime Minister emphasized that India’s energy diversification and domestic production strategies over the past decade have proven crucial in mitigating the crisis. He expressed strong confidence in India’s economic fundamentals and stated that a multi-pronged, cross-departmental coordination strategy—covering the short, medium, and long term—would be adopted to address import and export challenges. * He called for national unity and urged vigilance against misinformation, hoarding, and black-market activities. He also requested cooperation among all states to maintain stability during a prolonged period of global hardship. * Finally, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to human well-being and peace through diplomacy, as well as to collective resilience, urging the nation to stand united, as it had during the COVID-19 pandemic.