PM Modi credits India's diplomatic ties for averting fuel crisis amid West Asia conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at an event in Balotra, Rajasthan, on Saturday, credited India's diplomatic relationships for helping the country navigate the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia. He said that India's diplomacy 'shone' during the crisis and that the way the country handled the situation would be recorded in history.
Modi stated that market experts had predicted the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) could rise to Rs 2,000, but this was averted due to a decade-long visionary policy. He noted that before the crisis, India imported fuel and energy from 25-26 countries, but during the conflict, it began importing from more than 40 countries, demonstrating the strength of its foreign relations.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately Rs 1.06 lakh crore, including India's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra. This complex, a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Rajasthan government, has an investment of over Rs 79,450 crore and a capacity of 9 million metric tonnes per annum.
Modi asserted that despite rumours and political games, the government ensured no major supply challenges, except minor disruptions in remote areas. He said that diesel and petrol companies incurred losses of over Rs 75,000 crore, which the government treasury covered, and excise duty was reduced by Rs 10 per litre to protect consumers.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India prioritises national interest and citizen welfare, stating, 'Our mantra is nagrik devo bhava.' The speech was delivered at an event where several union and state leaders were present.
