No lockdown, must work as Team India, PM tells CMs to mitigate Iran war impacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing a high-level meeting with Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors, called upon all states to work as “Team India,” as the country did during the Covid pandemic, to mitigate the domestic impact of the war in West Asia, which continues unabated for nearly a month.

Describing the geopolitical situation as “dynamic and uncertain,” Modi stressed that India must remain vigilant and prepared, with a sharp focus on maintaining economic and trade stability, ensuring energy security, strengthening industry and supply chains, and safeguarding citizens’ interests.

At the meeting – the first such interaction with states since the conflict began on February 28 – the Prime Minister pointed out that the country has prior experience in effectively handling similar global disruptions, recalling the coordinated response during the Covid pandemic, when the Centre and states worked together as “Team India” to minimise the impact on supply chains, trade, and everyday life.

He noted that during the pandemic, he held regular interactions with chief ministers to review the evolving situation and take timely decisions and stressed the same spirit of cooperation and coordination remains India’s greatest strength in navigating the current challenges.

Rejecting rumours of an “energy lockdown” amid a cooking gas shortage and disruptions in oil supply, which have triggered panic buying and hoarding in several states, the Prime Minister categorically said, “There will be no nationwide lockdown”.

Underscoring the importance of public confidence, the Prime Minister stressed that clear assurances regarding the availability of essential commodities would help avoid unnecessary anxiety, adding that India has adequate supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG.

The Prime Minister further directed states to ensure the smooth functioning of supply chains and to take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He cautioned against misinformation, stressing that the dissemination of accurate and credible information is critical to prevent panic among citizens.

Special attention was urged for border and coastal states, particularly in managing shipping, maritime operations, and the supply of essential goods. Modi also called for vigilance against online fraud and fake agents exploiting the situation.

In the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister emphasised advance planning, especially in fertiliser storage and distribution, to prevent disruptions.

He also stressed the need to activate control rooms at the state and district levels and to put in place support systems for families of Indians residing in West Asia. States were asked to set up helplines and appoint nodal officers to ensure timely assistance and information flow.

Highlighting long-term preparedness, Modi urged states to accelerate efforts in promoting alternative energy sources such as solar power and biofuels, and to support increased domestic exploration of oil and natural gas.

Earlier this week, the government held an all-party meeting to brief leaders on the West Asia crisis, where a detailed presentation was made about the steps taken by the government to deal with the situation.

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister had said that the difficult global conditions caused by the US-Israel-Iran war are likely to persist for a long time, and called upon the nation to remain prepared and united.