Finance
S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM), underlined India’s close connections with the Gulf and West Asia/North Africa region during a Consultative Committee meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
“Chaired a Consultative Committee meeting on India’s relations with West Asia today in New Delhi. Highlighted India’s close ties with the Gulf and WANA region, including our longstanding partnerships and cooperation in trade, investments, energy, maritime and people-to-people domains,” EAM Jaishankar stated on X.
“Also underscored our efforts towards welfare of 10 million Indians, as well as ensuring energy and fertiliser security, and advancing our trade and connectivity amidst the ongoing conflict in the region,” he added.
Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and several other dignitaries were present at the meeting.
In July Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fourth special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review India’s preparedness amid the escalating West Asia conflict, focusing on energy supplies, fertiliser availability, and the safety of citizens and seafarers.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Cabinet Secretary updated the CCS on the geopolitical situation and described steps taken to secure adequate supply of petroleum products such as LNG, LPG, and fertilizers. He stated that LPG procurement sources had been diversified, and refineries were working at more than 100% capacity, ensuring the continuing production of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.
The forum also discussed attempts to extend Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, which have significantly increased. The fertilizer requirements for the upcoming Rabi season were assessed, and alternative sources were examined. PM Modi directed that all necessary steps be taken to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers.
The situation of seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones was discussed. PM Modi directed the creation of a system to provide timely information, emergency aid, and counseling to mariners and their families.
Source: IANS
