NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is scheduled to convene at 7 PM on Wednesday in the national capital to deliberate on the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia and its potential implications for India.
The developments follow a sharp escalation in the region after a joint military strike by the United States and Israel on February 28 targeted Iranian territory, reportedly resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials. The strike triggered a strong retaliatory response from Iran, intensifying tensions across West Asia.
A week earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the CCS to review the situation and the ongoing and proposed mitigation measures in the context of the conflict. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Secretary presented a detailed assessment of the global situation and outlined steps taken and planned by various ministries and departments.
The government reviewed the expected impact across multiple sectors including agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, power, MSMEs, exports, shipping, trade, finance and supply chains. The overall macro-economic scenario and further measures to address potential disruptions were also discussed.
Officials assessed that the ongoing conflict in West Asia could have significant short, medium and long-term implications for the global economy, with potential effects on India. Countermeasures, both immediate and long-term, were deliberated to minimise risks.
A detailed review of the availability of essential commodities for the public, including food, energy and fuel, was carried out. Measures to ensure continued supply in the short, medium and long term were discussed. The impact on farmers, especially in terms of fertiliser availability for the upcoming Kharif season, was also examined, with authorities stating that adequate stocks and alternative sourcing strategies would help maintain supply and ensure food security.
The government also noted that sufficient coal reserves at power plants across the country are expected to prevent any electricity shortages despite the ongoing global uncertainty. Further outcomes are expected following the CCS meeting later this evening.
