West Asia conflict monitoring: Rajnath Singh calls for calibrated response to protect India’s interests

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) to review the West Asia conflict, urging round-the-clock monitoring and a calibrated response to any eventuality. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other senior ministers attended, with the aim of protecting India’s national interests and limiting domestic impact.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called for constant tracking of the West Asia conflict. Rajnath Singh also urged a measured response to any possible scenario. Rajnath Singh said the aim was to keep national interests protected. The remarks came during a senior-level review of the situation, an official readout stated.

Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) formed to watch developments in West Asia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attended. Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Power Minister Manohar Lal were present. Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi also joined.

West Asia conflict monitoring: IGoM reviews risks and next steps

Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw also attended the meeting. Rajnath Singh stressed 24-hour monitoring due to uncertainty, the readout said. Rajnath Singh also asked for a calibrated approach to handle any eventuality. Rajnath Singh urged steps to limit the conflict’s impact on people.

The session was the second IGoM meeting since the group was formed last month. Rajnath Singh posted that the group received updates on actions taken by the government. "The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict,\" Rajnath Singh said. \"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict,\" Rajnath Singh added.

West Asia conflict measures: empowered secretary groups brief ministers

The defence ministry readout said seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM. The briefings covered steps planned to manage disruptions linked to the conflict. The IGoM also heard how ministries were coordinating responses across sectors. The readout noted that actions were designed to reduce stress on households and businesses.

As per the readout, the Ministry of Finance outlined measures tied to global trade disruptions. The ministry said these steps aimed to support industry, mainly manufacturing, and strengthen investor confidence. It cited a notification issued on Wednesday granting full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products. The exemption runs till June 30.

The ministry also cited a special one-time relief step for eligible units in SEZs. It allows sale of manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates. The measure is effective from April 1 to March 31. Another Department of Revenue notification clarified GAAR will not apply to investments made before April 1, 2017.

\"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India,\" the readout said. The statement linked the steps to smoother inputs and steadier supply. It also tied them to lower costs for sectors using petrochemical products.

West Asia conflict and fuel supply: ATF cap and LPG availability

Rajnath Singh noted the decision to cap monthly rises in aviation turbine fuel prices. The cap is 25 per cent for domestic operations, effective from April 1. Rajnath Singh said the move would limit sudden fare increases for travellers. The readout linked this action to shielding people from sharp price shocks.

The readout said domestic LPG supply remained the top priority for the government. Refinery output was raised to meet full consumption needs, it said. The IGoM was told there were no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships. Domestic LPG cylinder delivery continued on the usual schedule, according to the readout.

The readout said temporary supply worries followed hoarding and black marketing. These incidents led to panic buying in some places, it added. Ministers were told enforcement action was underway to stop such activity. Raids were carried out in multiple states and Union territories, the readout said. Action was also taken against LPG distributors involved in malpractice.

To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government ensured 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders. Since March 23, more than 4.3 lakh of these cylinders were sold, the readout said. Officials also said extra focus was placed on states with higher demand. The effort aimed to maintain access during periods of pressure.

For industries using commercial LPG, supply was maintained at over 80 per cent of pre-crisis levels. The readout said this was meant to keep operations running. Special meetings were held with ministries and industry stakeholders to assess demand. Oil PSUs also ensured Auto LPG supply continued across the country.

The readout said some private operators faced supply limits due to procurement issues. As a result, queues were seen at PSU Auto LPG pumps in some places. Where vehicles were dual feed and could use petrol, users were encouraged to shift to petrol. The IGoM continued to track these issues as the situation stayed uncertain.

With inputs from PTI