Centre outlines strategy as political row intensifies over response to conflict
March 24, 2026: A high-level security review meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assessed the evolving situation amid the West Asia conflict. The meeting was attended by top officials, including CDS Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi, and Defence Research and Development Organisation Chairman Samir Kamat. The discussions focused on evaluating security preparedness and safeguarding India’s strategic and economic interests.
Addressing Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is working to minimise the conflict’s impact, calling disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz “unacceptable.” He highlighted concerns related to fuel supply, fertilisers, and national security, while stressing India’s diplomatic outreach to de-escalate tensions. However, Opposition leaders, including Congress and Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticised the response, alleging a lack of clarity and delay in addressing the nation.
The situation in the Hormuz Strait has raised concerns over the movement of crude oil, gas, and fertilisers, though the government maintains that supply lines remain active. Several Indian-linked vessels are still en route, including shipments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia expected to reach ports like Kandla and New Mangalore in the coming days. The Centre reiterated that both immediate and long-term strategies are in place to ensure energy security and economic stability amid global uncertainty.