**Executive Summary**
On March 27, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors to review India's preparedness regarding the West Asia crisis. The primary objectives are to maintain economic stability, ensure energy security, and safeguard supply chains through a "Team India" approach. Key outcomes include the reduction of fuel excise duties and an increase in commercial LPG allocations to 70% of pre-crisis levels to mitigate global disruptions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**National Priorities and Governance**
* Prioritize economic and trade stability, energy security, and the protection of citizen interests.
* Utilize the Inter-Ministerial Group, operational since March 3, for daily monitoring and timely decision-making.
* Strengthen coordination between the Centre and States through regular reviews at the level of Chief Secretaries and District-level monitoring.
**Supply Chain and Market Regulation**
* Ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and implement strict measures to prevent hoarding and profiteering.
* Activate administrative control rooms at State and District levels to prevent disruptions.
* Conduct advance planning for the agriculture sector, focusing on fertilizer storage and distribution for the upcoming Kharif season.
**Energy and Economic Relief**
* Implement a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel to provide relief from global uncertainties.
* Increase commercial LPG allocation to States and Union Territories from 50% to 70% of pre-crisis levels.
* Accelerate efforts in alternative energy (biofuels, solar, GOBARdhan, electric mobility) and enhance domestic oil and gas exploration.
**Security and Public Information**
* Direct special attention toward border and coastal States to address challenges in shipping and maritime operations.
* Combat the spread of misinformation, rumors, online fraud, and fake agents by disseminating accurate information.
* Engage with industry and MSMEs to ensure stability in production and employment.
**Impact Analysis**
**State and Union Territory Governments**
**Impact**
States are the primary implementers of central decisions and must manage local supply chains and administrative alertness.
**Action Required**
Activate control rooms, appoint nodal officers for citizens in West Asia, monitor fertilizer distribution, and implement measures against profiteering.
**General Public and Farmers**
**Impact**
Citizens benefit from reduced fuel costs and improved LPG availability, while farmers are protected from supply shortages.
**Action Required**
Maintain public confidence by relying on credible information; farmers must coordinate with local authorities regarding fertilizer distribution for the Kharif season.
**Industry and MSMEs**
**Impact**
These sectors are critical for maintaining production levels and national employment stability during global disruptions.
**Action Required**
Engage in continued dialogue with the government to address production concerns and ensure the stability of essential supply chains.
**Border and Coastal States**
**Impact**
These regions face heightened risks regarding maritime operations and the shipping of essential supplies.
**Action Required**
Address emerging challenges specifically related to maritime security and the uninterrupted flow of essential commodities through ports.
Key Entities Referenced
Inter-Ministerial Group: A specialized monitoring body operational since March 3 to review the West Asia crisis impact daily and facilitate timely economic decisions.
West Asia: The central geographic region of conflict whose emerging crisis necessitates India's review of energy security, shipping, and supply chains.
T V Somanathan: The Cabinet Secretary who presented the specific recommendations and enumerative steps for States to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
GOBARdhan initiative: A government scheme focused on alternative energy which the Prime Minister urged States to accelerate to ensure long-term energy security.
Kharif season: The specific agricultural cycle central to the policy's focus on fertilizer storage monitoring and distribution planning.
Prime Minister's Office
PM chairs meeting with CMs to review
preparedness in light of emerging situation in
West Asia crisis
PM expresses confidence that working together as “Team
India,” the nation will successfully overcome the situation
PM stresses that Government’s priorities are to maintain
economic and trade stability, ensure energy security,
safeguard the interests of citizens, and strengthen industry
and supply chains
PM urges States to ensure smooth functioning of supply
chains and take strict measures against hoarding and
profiteering
PM stresses on the need for advance planning in the
agriculture sector, particularly in monitoring fertiliser storage
and distribution
PM emphasises the need for robust coordination
mechanisms at all levels to enable quick response to evolving
situations
PM calls for special attention in border and coastal States to
address emerging challenges related to shipping, essential
supplies, and maritime operations
PM cautions against the spread of misinformation and
rumours, emphasises dissemination of accurate and credible
information
CMs appreciate the steps taken by the central government
under the leadership of PM to tackle the situationCMs welcome the decisions to reduce excise duty on fuel
amid global uncertainties and increase in commercial LPG
allocation to states
CMs express confidence that situation remains stable, with
adequate availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG in their States
CMs reaffirm commitment to work in close coordination with
the Centre to effectively manage the situation
Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 9:22PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today chaired a meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant
Governors of States and UTs to review preparedness in light of the emerging situation arising out of recent
developments in West Asia and its potential impact on India, via video conferencing.
Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the valuable suggestions shared by all Chief Ministers,
noting that these inputs would be instrumental in effectively managing the evolving situation. He
emphasised the need for vigilance, preparedness, and coordinated action to address the challenges ahead.
Referring to the ongoing situation in West Asia, Prime Minister said India has prior experience in dealing
with similar global disruption. He recalled the collective response during the Covid-19 pandemic, when
the Centre and States worked together as “Team India” to mitigate the impact on supply chains, trade, and
daily life. He underscored that the same spirit of cooperation and coordination remains India’s greatest
strength in navigating the present circumstances.
Prime Minister highlighted that the situation remains dynamic, necessitating continuous monitoring and
adaptive strategies. He said that an Inter-Ministerial Group has been operational since 3 March, reviewing
the situation on a daily basis and taking timely decisions. He stressed that the Government’s priorities are
to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, safeguard the interests of citizens, and
strengthen industry and supply chains.
Emphasising the critical role of States, Prime Minister noted that effective implementation of decisions
takes place at the State level. He called for constant communication and coordination between the Centre
and States, along with timely sharing of information and joint decision-making, so that responses are swift
and well-aligned.
Prime Minister urged States to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to take strict measures
against hoarding and profiteering. He highlighted the importance of activating control rooms at State and
District levels and maintaining administrative alertness to prevent disruptions. He also stressed the need
for advance planning in the agriculture sector, particularly in monitoring fertiliser storage and distribution,
so that farmers do not face difficulties during the upcoming Kharif season.
Prime Minister cautioned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, stating that timely
dissemination of accurate and credible information is essential to prevent panic. He also advised vigilance
against online frauds and fake agents. PM called for special attention in border and coastal States to
address any emerging challenges related to shipping, essential supplies, and maritime operations.
He underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence, noting that assurance regarding the
availability of essential commodities would help prevent unnecessary panic among citizens. He further
suggested that States with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers, andestablish district-level support systems to assist affected families and ensure timely flow of information.
Prime Minister stated that efforts undertaken in recent years to strengthen India’s economic and supply
systems are proving beneficial in the current context. He called for continued engagement with industry
and MSMEs to address their concerns and ensure stability in production and employment. He also
emphasised the need for robust coordination mechanisms at all levels, including regular reviews at the
level of Chief Secretaries and continuous monitoring at the district level, to enable quick response to
evolving situations.
Prime Minister called for a parallel focus on immediate response and long-term preparedness. He urged
States to accelerate efforts in promoting alternative energy sources such as biofuels, solar energy,
GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility, as well as expanding piped natural gas connections. He also
highlighted the importance of enhancing domestic exploration of oil and natural gas, with active
cooperation from States.
Prime Minister reiterated that addressing the challenge is a shared responsibility and expressed confidence
that, working together as “Team India,” the nation will successfully overcome the situation.
During the meeting, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the government has been
working actively under the leadership of Prime Minister to tackle this crisis and taking positive steps such
as ensuring timely availability of LPG and reducing the excise duties on petrol and diesel. He further
highlighted the need for collective action from all states, UTs and the centre to tackle the ongoing
situation.
Cabinet Secretary Shri T V Somanathan gave a presentation on the current situation and enumerated steps and
recommendations for States to tackle the situation.
Chief Ministers appreciated the steps taken by the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister to tackle the
situation. They also praised the diplomatic outreach of Prime Minister to different countries amidst this crisis to ensure the well
being of Indian citizens abroad.
Chief Ministers across states expressed confidence that the situation remains stable, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel,
and LPG, and continuous monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. They
widely welcomed the decision to reduce excise duty on fuel, noting that it will provide significant relief to citizens amid global
uncertainties. Chief Ministers also welcomed the decision to increase commercial LPG allocation to states and union territories
to 70% of pre-crisis levels, up from 50%. They reaffirmed commitment to work in close coordination with the Centre to
effectively manage the evolving situation and safeguard the interests of citizens.
***
MJPS/PRK
(Release ID: 2246326) Visitor Counter : 34941
Read this release in: ही , Marathi , Gujarati , Odia , Kannada