Monday 23 / March / 2026
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the situation in the Middle East "worrisome," but added that the fundamentals of the Indian economy are strong and will weather the "unprecedented challenges" posed by the conflict.
Addressing the lower house of Parliament, Modi highlighted that the Iran war was affecting global markets and supply chains, noting India's heavy reliance on the region for crude oil, gas through key trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
"The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks," the Indian PM said.
However, "the inherent strength of India's economic fundamentals has... provided significant support to the nation during this period," he said.
While the government has taken steps to secure energy supplies, including addressing LPG demand and maintaining strategic petroleum reserves, he said, it has also facilitated bringing home around 375,000 citizens since the conflict began, including around 1,000 from Iran.
During his speech, Modi said that India has trade relations with both "the warring and war-affected countries."
Modi said India was engaging diplomatically and urged for a peaceful resolution.
"War is not in the interest of humanity. India is encouraging all sides to end it peacefully" he said, adding that attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of Hormuz Strait are "not acceptable."
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