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The Prime Minister directed that all necessary measures be taken to ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supplies. Officials indicated that sufficient stocks are available for the upcoming Rabi sowing season as well as for next year’s Kharif crop.

The safety of Indian seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels in conflict zones was also discussed. Prime Minister Modi asked officials to establish a mechanism for providing timely information, emergency assistance and counselling to seafarers and their families. He also stressed that all efforts must be made to protect Indian citizens and the Indian community from the impact of the ongoing conflict.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia following the recent US-Israel conflict involving Iran. Attacks on oil and cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and threats issued by Yemen’s Houthi militia against shipping near the Bab al-Mandab have raised concerns over energy and trade flows.

Ship traffic through the Bab al-Mandab has reportedly declined in recent days, while shipping activity in the Black Sea has also faced disruptions due to the intensifying Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India remains heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, with a significant share of supplies traditionally passing through these sensitive maritime corridors. The disruptions have therefore prompted a whole-of-government response aimed at reducing vulnerabilities.

PM Modi also emphasised the need to accelerate the use of renewable energy sources, including solar power and other non-fossil-fuel options, to strengthen India’s long-term energy independence. He called for a unified and coordinated mechanism for regular monitoring of developments so that appropriate measures can be implemented quickly to protect citizens and national economic interests as the global situation evolves.