India Fears Long-Lasting Impact Of West Asia Conflict

By Shakir Husain

NEW DELHI, March 24 (Bernama) -- India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the West Asia conflict will have long-term impacts on India’s economy and energy supplies.

"It has created a severe energy crisis across the world. For India too, this situation is worrisome. Our trade routes are being affected. Routine supplies of essential goods such as petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers are disrupted," Modi said in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament on Tuesday.

Elaborating to lawmakers on how the government is dealing with the crisis, which erupted on February 28 after the United States (US) and Israel launched attacks on Iran, he said India is working to ensure the safety of ships carrying energy and essential goods, as the vital sea route through the Strait of Hormuz continues to face disruptions.

"But if the global circumstances created by this war persist for a long time, serious consequences are inevitable," the Indian prime minister said.

Many Indian ships are stranded in the sea passage on Iran's southern border.

"Through diplomacy, India is making continuous efforts to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships even in this war-like environment," Modi said.

While Iran has not blocked the waterway for global shipping, it has threatened to target vessels linked to the US and Israel.

India is focused on securing adequate energy supplies from diverse sources and now imports oil and gas from 41 countries, Modi said.

"Our effort is to ensure that oil and gas supplies reach India from wherever possible," he said.

His remarks reflected concerns in India about the conflict’s long-term economic impact, including its financial implications for about 10 million Indians living in the Arab Gulf states.

More than 375,000 Indians have returned to India since the war began, even as airlines continue to face disruptions.

The situation "regarding this war is changing moment by moment" and people should be prepared to face every challenge, Modi said.

"There is a strong possibility that the adverse effects of this war will last for a long time," he said.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing among Indian businesses about energy shortages.

Restaurants are reporting difficulties in obtaining sufficient liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, as the government has prioritised supplies for households.

In Gujarat, gas shortages are affecting textile and ceramic output, according to local media reports.

Panic buying of petrol was reported in the state on Monday.

The Aluminium Extrusion Manufacturers Association of India (ALEMA) has sought government help as gas scarcity has hit production, news agency PTI reported.

-- BERNAMA