FUEL SUPPLY TO LPG: PM MODI ADDRESSES LS AMID WEST ASIA CONFLICT

The government is alert, empathetic and eager to extend all help,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha at 2 pm on Monday during the current Budget Session of Parliament, highlighting essential points of the intensifying conflict in West Asia and India's stance on the matter, which continued for about 20 minutes.

- BY ROOPALATHA, WRITER

The situation in West Asia has escalated as tensions between Iran and the United States grow, heightening worries about global energy resources and regional security. US President Donald Trump cautioned that the United States would “destroy” Iran’s power facilities if Tehran does not completely reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. In reply, Iran warned that any such assault would lead to strikes on US and Israeli energy and infrastructure targets.

Simultaneously, Iranian missiles hit two towns in southern Israel late Saturday, causing damage to structures and injuring many individuals near Israel’s primary nuclear research facility. The toll of fatalities from the conflict has surpassed 1,500 in Iran and over 1,000 in Lebanon, with 15 reported casualties in Israel and 13 US military members killed. Numerous civilians have also lost their lives in events on land and at sea in the Gulf area, as millions in Lebanon and Iran have been forced to flee due to the violence.

Measures Taken by Indian Government

Amidst the escalation going on between US/Israel and Iran, the PM addressed the Lok Sabha, in turn sending a much-required message to the Indian people as well.

An impending energy crisis has been one of the key causes of concern. Referring to previous actions that are proving useful now during the West Asia crisis, PM Modi stated, “The electrification of railways is yielding substantial advantages. In the absence of this electrification, around 1.8 billion litres of diesel would be used each year. In the same way, we have broadened the metro rail system. In 2014, the nation's metro system was under 250 km, but it has now expanded to nearly 1,100 km.