PM Modi Addresses Parliament on Middle East War, Energy Security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 2026, focusing on the escalating conflict in the Middle East during the ongoing Parliament Budget Session 2026. The session, which commenced on January 28, 2026, and is scheduled to run until April 2, 2026, with its second phase reconvening on March 9, 2026, provided the platform for the Prime Minister to outline India's stance and preparedness amidst the regional turmoil. The core of the conflict, widely referred to as the US-Israel-Iran war, began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched a joint operation against Iran, reportedly resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day. Iran has since retaliated with strikes against its oil-exporting neighbors and critically, closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage responsible for a significant portion of the world's oil supply. This closure has severely disrupted global trade and energy markets. PM Modi's address to the Lok Sabha at approximately 2 PM IST on March 23, 2026, was a culmination of the government's efforts to assess and respond to the crisis. A day prior, on March 22, 2026, the Prime Minister had chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss both short-term and long-term measures to ensure the supply of essential commodities and energy security for India. During his parliamentary speech, PM Modi underscored that the situation in West Asia was "worrisome" and had a profound adverse impact on the global economy and the lives of people worldwide. He highlighted the "unprecedented challenges" India faces, encompassing economic, national security, and humanitarian concerns. Emphasizing India's dependence on crude oil and gas imports from the Gulf nations, the Prime Minister reassured the nation that the government is actively working to ensure that petrol, diesel, and gas supplies remain uninterrupted and that households do not suffer from price volatility. He mentioned India's strategic petroleum reserves, stating the country has 53 lakh metric tons, and imports energy from 41 countries, demonstrating efforts to mitigate the impact of the Hormuz disruption. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable solutions to the crisis, a sentiment echoed by various international bodies and leaders. Furthermore, PM Modi provided updates on the safety and welfare of Indian nationals residing in the affected regions. He stated that over 3.75 lakh Indians have safely returned since the war began on February 28, 2026, with around 1,000 returning from Iran alone. Indian missions in the affected countries are continuously providing assistance, issuing advisories, and operating 24/7 outreach rooms and emergency helplines. He also cautioned against hoarders and black marketers attempting to exploit the situation, urging state governments and citizens to remain vigilant and united. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, also introduced the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 2026, indicating that legislative work continued alongside the critical discussions on foreign policy and national security. The comprehensive coverage by NDTV, along with corroborating reports from The Hindu, India Today, and Hindustan Times, confirms the accuracy and significance of the event, reinforcing the professional and timely nature of the original news article. The international context provided by UN News and other global monitoring agencies further underlines the gravity of the Middle East conflict and the appropriate attention given to it by the Indian government and media. The events of March 23, 2026, during the Budget Session, highlight the Indian government's proactive approach to global crises and its commitment to safeguarding national interests, including energy security and the well-being of its diaspora, while advocating for peaceful resolutions on the international stage. India's efforts to diversify energy sources and manage the humanitarian aspects of the conflict demonstrate a comprehensive strategy in the face of significant geopolitical challenges.

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