Modi chairs security panel meeting on West Asia situation
The Cabinet Committee on Security was briefed by senior officials on the prevailing situation in West Asia and its possible implications for India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night (1 March) chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the evolving situation in West Asia following recent military developments in the region.
The meeting was convened to assess the situation after attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel and the reported killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
There was no official statement on the outcome of the meeting.
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According to sources, the committee was briefed by senior officials on the prevailing situation in West Asia and its possible implications for India.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were also present.
Sources said the committee discussed the safety of Indian nationals living in West Asia and those currently stranded in the region. It also reviewed possible measures if the situation deteriorates further.
Airspace across much of West Asia is reported to be largely closed due to the escalation.
With flight services disrupted, hundreds of Indians are stranded at airports in Dubai, Doha and other cities in the region. Many have appealed to the government for assistance through social media.
Around 10,000 Indian citizens live, study and work in Iran, while more than 40,000 reside in Israel. The total number of Indians living in the Gulf and West Asia is estimated at about 90 lakh.
In previous conflicts, India has evacuated thousands of its nationals from various parts of the world, including West Asia.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions across the region are in continuous contact with nationals and that helplines have been activated.
The committee also reviewed developments related to the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities, a key shipping route for Indian oil and LNG carriers, sources said.
India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, is not expected to face any immediate physical disruption in oil supplies despite rising tensions around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
However, higher crude prices and broader macroeconomic pressures are expected in the near term, according to Indian media reports citing officials and analysts.
Officials said Indian refiners currently hold sufficient crude inventories to meet at least 10 days of requirements, with fuel stocks covering an additional five to seven days. They added that India has diversified suppliers in the United States, West Africa, Latin America and Russia, and maintains strategic reserves.
