Israel, Iran war: India sourcing oil, gas from all avenues; efforts to continue in coming days, says PM Modi

India is moving to secure energy supplies and cushion disruptions from the ongoing Israel-Iran war, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi telling the Rajya Sabha that the government is sourcing crude oil and gas from “all possible” avenues as the conflict strains trade routes and fuel availability.

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“We are trying to procure gas and crude oil from all possible sources; efforts will continue in the coming days,” he said in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, as the ongoing West Asia conflict strains global energy supplies.

War impacts trade, supplies

With the conflict now stretching beyond three weeks, Modi said the situation is “worrying” for India, with disruptions to trade routes affecting the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers. He warned that a prolonged war could lead to more serious economic challenges.

"If West Asia crisis persists for a longer period, serious consequences are imminent," he added.

Push for de-escalation, maritime stability

India has stepped up diplomatic outreach, remaining in close contact with countries across West Asia, as well as Iran, Israel and the United States. Modi said India has consistently pressed for de-escalation and the opening of key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, while condemning attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy and transport networks.

Diversification to reduce dependence

The Prime Minister emphasised that reducing reliance on any single source of energy has been a key policy focus. “We are trying that we are not heavily reliant on one source,” he said, adding that India has worked over the past decade to diversify imports and minimise dependence on foreign suppliers across sectors.

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Building resilience across sectors

Modi highlighted broader efforts to strengthen economic and strategic resilience, including boosting domestic manufacturing and defence capabilities. The government has also taken steps to reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals such as rare earths, while promoting initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and supporting indigenous shipbuilding through a Rs 70,000 crore fund.

Adequate reserves, continued vigilance

He added that India has built strategic petroleum reserves over the past 11 years and is working to expand them further, ensuring adequate crude availability to maintain stable supplies despite global disruptions.

Modi reiterated that India’s approach remains focused on securing supplies, safeguarding trade routes and pushing for peace through dialogue, even as the conflict continues to weigh on global energy markets.

States told to stay alert, curb hoarding

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged state governments to remain proactive in managing the fallout of the crisis, warning that such situations disproportionately impact the poor and migrant workers. He called for strict action against blackmarketers and hoarders, asking states to respond swiftly to complaints and ensure essential supplies remain accessible.

Modi also stressed the need for coordinated action, invoking the “Team India” approach adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Maintaining India’s growth rate is our collective responsibility,” he said, adding that governments must continue reforms and remain prepared as the situation evolves.

Concern over Indians in Gulf, stranded ships

Highlighting risks to Indian nationals abroad, Modi said nearly one crore Indians living and working in Gulf countries remain a key concern. He flagged that several ships are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with a large number of Indian crew members on board.

In this context, he called for a unified message of peace and dialogue from Parliament, noting that the crisis is “different in nature” and requires patience and preparedness. “The situation is changing every moment—we must be ready for every possible challenge,” he said.