Category: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has advised all State Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERAs) to grant a four-month extension in the registration and corresponding completion timelines of eligible real estate projects affected by disruptions arising from the ongoing situation in West Asia.

In an advisory issued on Friday, the Ministry said the prevailing situation in West Asia has adversely affected global supply chains, resulting in shortages of construction materials and impacting the timely execution of real estate projects.

The Ministry noted that the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, through an Office Memorandum dated April 29, 2026, has treated the ongoing West Asia situation as “war” for the purpose of invoking the Force Majeure clause.

Referring to the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), the Ministry said Section 6 allows extension of registration of a real estate project on account of Force Majeure, which includes “war” affecting regular development of a project.

Accordingly, MoHUA advised State RERAs to grant a four-month extension in the registration and completion timelines of registered real estate projects whose completion date, revised completion date or extended completion date falls on or after February 28, 2026.

To reduce procedural delays, the Ministry also recommended that State RERAs issue a common order granting such extensions instead of requiring separate applications from individual projects.

Welcoming the advisory, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) President Parveen Jain said, “NAREDCO sincerely welcomes the timely and pragmatic advisory issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia has significantly impacted the availability and cost of construction materials, resulting in unavoidable delays in project execution.”

He further urged State regulators to implement the advisory uniformly, saying, “Timely extension of project registration and completion timelines will provide much-needed relief to developers facing circumstances beyond their control due to the ongoing war-related disruptions. At the same time, it will protect the interests of homebuyers by enabling projects to be completed in an orderly manner, avoiding unnecessary litigation and ensuring greater certainty for all stakeholders.”

NAREDCO said the advisory reflects a balanced approach by addressing the challenges faced by developers while safeguarding the interests of homebuyers, and called on all State RERAs to implement the Ministry’s recommendations at the earliest.

(ANI)

Source: Government of India (4)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday slammed Islamabad following reports that Pakistani forces killed over 40 people and injured scores more during recent anti-government demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan’s actions against peaceful protesters in PoJK had exposed its treatment of the people living under its control.

“As you and all of us have witnessed, the Pakistani establishment continues to unleash ruthless force against peaceful civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This crackdown has resulted in the tragic death of over 40 innocent people, and many more have been seriously injured. It’s the establishment’s absolute disdain for the innocent people of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir that was laid bare when their Defence Minister branded the protesting civilians as enemies,” Jaiswal said.

Referring to recent remarks by Pakistan Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Jaiswal said the statement amounted to an open admission of Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism, noting that Islamabad had trained, funded, armed and sent Mujahideen to India, who had now turned against the Pakistani state duirng the protest.

“The Special Assistant of the Prime Minister [of Pakistan] on Political Affairs has openly admitted that the very Mujahideen that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have turned their guns inwards, weaponising themselves against the state,” the MEA spokesperson said.
Sanaullah, earlier in an interview with Geo News, admitted that the protesters in PoJK “are the same people we once trained as Mujahideen. We sent them to fight, and today they are hanging around our necks.”

The MEA spokesperson further said that the “so-called elections” in PoJK reflected a rejection of the Pakistani establishment by the people and noted that those facing the crackdown had sought an independent international investigation into the violence.

“The so-called elections stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistan establishment. Facing a violent regime, the people have requested international organisations for an independent investigation into the unlawful killings. We urged that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities,” he said.

MEA’S remark comes as the region witnessed widespread protests, with the people there complaining about widespread electoral rigging, political interference and systematic suppression of democratic rights.

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) has also called for urgent intervention by the United Nations and the international community over the worsening human rights situation in PoJK.

In a statement on X, the organisation urged global institutions, governments, and human rights organisations to take immediate steps to protect civilians, ensure accountability, and uphold international human rights law.

The UKPNP appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, China, international human rights organisations, and the global media to respond to the escalation of violence in the region.

India has consistently maintained that Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and has repeatedly raised concerns over Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and the treatment of civilians in the region.

(ANI)

Source: Government of India (4)

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said grassroots innovations have the potential to transform society by combining local experience, scientific thinking and creativity with social responsibility, asserting that India can emerge as a global powerhouse in grassroots innovation.

The President made the remarks while interacting with a group of grassroots innovators associated with the Atal Innovation Mission at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. She also visited an exhibition showcasing their innovations and interacted with the innovators.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said India’s vast scale and strong culture of innovation provide the country with a unique opportunity to become a global leader in grassroots innovation. She noted that many locally developed solutions are addressing problems of national significance.

The President said the exhibition reflected the growing contribution of grassroots innovators in diverse sectors, including waste-to-wealth initiatives, energy conservation, environmental protection, agriculture, preservation of art, and technologies aimed at improving the lives of women and persons with disabilities.

Emphasising the importance of institutional support, President Murmu said innovative ideas alone cannot bring about societal transformation unless they are backed by an enabling ecosystem that nurtures talent and provides the necessary guidance, resources and opportunities.

She appreciated the role of Atal Community Innovation Centres in supporting grassroots innovators through technical assistance, mentoring and platforms that help convert innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises.

The President said the vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised only when every citizen adopts an innovative mindset to solve everyday challenges. She expressed satisfaction that institutions and citizens across the country are working together to strengthen the culture of innovation and voiced confidence that the benefits of these efforts would reach a wider section of society.

Praising the determination of the innovators, President Murmu noted that many had continued pursuing their ideas despite limited resources, uncertainty and repeated challenges. She commended their commitment to using innovation for the betterment of individuals and communities.

The President also encouraged the innovators to continuously improve their solutions, collaborate with research institutions, industry and fellow innovators, and work towards scaling up their innovations for wider social impact.

Source: Government of India (4)

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Karnataka’s Neelam and Totapuri mangoes to the Maldives, marking a significant milestone in expanding India’s premium mango exports and creating new international market opportunities for late-season varieties.

The inaugural consignment, flagged off on July 30, comprised one metric tonne of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes sourced directly from farmers associated with M/s Prakruthimaya Farmers Producer Company Ltd. in KGF Taluk of Karnataka’s Kolar district. The shipment was exported by M/s Ahalya Devi Ventures, led by director Ashwini A, a newly registered woman entrepreneur, highlighting the growing role of women-led enterprises in India’s agri-export sector.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off the consignment and said the initiative would strengthen global market access for Indian mangoes, create export opportunities for late-season varieties and contribute to sustainable income growth for farmers through organised supply chains.

The export has enabled farmers associated with the Farmer Producer Company (FPC) to earn over 50 per cent higher returns compared to conventional domestic marketing channels. Officials said the achievement demonstrates the benefits of direct procurement, export-oriented aggregation and stronger international market linkages in improving farmers’ incomes.

Neelam mangoes are known for their sweet, juicy pulp and rich aroma, making them popular for desserts, beverages and smoothies, while Totapuri mangoes are valued for their distinctive shape, sweet-tangy taste and suitability for both fresh consumption and processing. Harvested between late June and the end of July, the two varieties help extend India’s mango export season beyond the peak harvest period.

According to APEDA, the shipment also showcases the growing export potential of Karnataka’s horticulture sector and the important role played by Farmer Producer Companies in connecting growers with overseas buyers through quality assurance and organised aggregation.

The authority said it will continue working with state governments, exporters, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) and other stakeholders to strengthen export infrastructure, improve global market access and promote India’s premium horticultural produce in international markets.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the development in a post on X, saying the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives would open new opportunities for the state’s mango growers. He said the initiative would encourage greater participation by Farmer Producer Organisations, exporters and agri-entrepreneurs while enhancing their presence in global markets.

Source: Government of India (4)

The Centre on Friday said the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme has played a key role in improving the Child Sex Ratio and promoting the empowerment of girls and women by driving behavioural and social change across the country.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said the scheme primarily focuses on changing societal attitudes towards the girl child by informing, influencing, motivating, engaging and empowering stakeholders at multiple levels.

The minister said that during the 15th Finance Commission period, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was expanded as a component under the SAMBAL vertical of Mission Shakti to cover all districts across the country through multi-sectoral interventions, with greater emphasis on activities that deliver tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.

The Minister said the programme has evolved from a policy initiative into a nationwide movement by bringing together government agencies, media organisations, civil society groups and the public to promote the value of the girl child.

Citing the latest Health Management Information System (HMIS) data of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the minister said the national Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 in 2025-26 (provisional). In Delhi, the Sex Ratio at Birth also showed an upward trend, increasing from 901 to 915 during the same period.

The minister also highlighted improvements in girls’ education. According to data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) under the Ministry of Education, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girls at the secondary school level increased nationally from 75.51 per cent in 2014-15 to 83.4 per cent in 2025-26.

In Delhi, the Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls at the secondary level rose from 99.13 per cent in 2014-15 to 108.3 per cent in 2025-26, reflecting increased enrolment and retention in schools.

The minister said the scheme’s objective is to bring about lasting behavioural and social transformation in how girls are perceived and valued, noting that because of its awareness-driven nature, the number of direct beneficiaries cannot be measured in conventional terms.

Source: Government of India (4)

Indian Railways has successfully transported a live donor heart by train for the first time in the country’s history, marking a significant milestone in emergency medical logistics and showcasing the potential of the rail network in supporting life-saving healthcare services.

The donor heart was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad aboard Train No. 20901 Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express, enabling its timely delivery for transplantation at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre in Ahmedabad.

The operation required meticulous planning and close coordination among Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat Police and medical teams to ensure that the organ reached the recipient hospital within the critical viability window required for a successful transplant.

To facilitate the mission, authorities created a dedicated Green Corridor from Platform No. 1 of Ahmedabad Railway Station to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre. The corridor, jointly managed by the RPF and Gujarat Police, ensured uninterrupted movement of the donor heart, allowing the transplant procedure to begin without delay.

The successful operation highlighted the speed, punctuality and reliability of the Vande Bharat Express, while demonstrating the expanding role of Indian Railways beyond passenger and freight transportation into critical healthcare support.

Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash described the achievement as a proud moment for Indian Railways, saying the mission reflected the organisation’s commitment to serving society through life-saving initiatives.

“In such missions, every minute is crucial. The excellent coordination among Indian Railways, RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams ensured the success of this operation. Contributing towards saving a human life is not only our responsibility but also our highest duty towards service and humanity,” he said.

Railway officials said the successful transportation demonstrates how modern railway infrastructure can play an important role in strengthening India’s emergency healthcare ecosystem by providing fast, reliable and time-critical connectivity.

Indian Railways also acknowledged the contributions of the Railway Protection Force, Gujarat Police, doctors, organ transplant coordinators and railway personnel whose coordinated efforts ensured the success of the country’s first live donor heart transportation by train.

The achievement is expected to pave the way for greater use of India’s rail network in facilitating emergency medical transportation and other humanitarian operations requiring rapid and dependable connectivity.

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a renewed focus on technology, trade, defence, clean energy and people-to-people ties.

During a telephone conversation, PM Modi congratulated Burnham on assuming office and conveyed his best wishes for a successful tenure. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation across priority sectors in line with the India-UK Vision 2035 framework.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Delighted to speak with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham. Congratulated him on assuming office and conveyed my best wishes for a successful tenure. We agreed to work together across sectors such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and people-to-people ties and take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.”

“We will also collaborate closely to fully harness the trade and investment opportunities presented by the recently operationalized India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, for the shared prosperity and well-being of both our people,” he added.

According to a statement issued by UK Prime Minister’s Office, Burnham described the India-UK relationship as one of great strategic importance and highlighted its positive impact on communities across the United Kingdom. He outlined his ambition to further strengthen bilateral ties through the Vision 2035 framework while emphasising the strong people-to-people links between the two countries.

The UK Prime Minister also praised the contribution of the Indian community to British society. During the conversation, PM Modi noted the historical links between Manchester, Burnham’s home city, and Ahmedabad, describing the Gujarat city as the “Manchester of India.”

On economic cooperation, Burnham underlined the significance of the recently operationalised trade agreement, saying it would create fresh opportunities for businesses and people in both countries. He also reiterated his commitment to the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, with both leaders identifying emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as an important area for future collaboration.

The UK PMO added that the two Prime Ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the evolving situation in the Middle East. They agreed to continue working closely in support of de-escalation efforts and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, recognising the importance of stability for global trade and energy security. Both leaders agreed to remain in regular contact and expressed their intention to meet in person at the earliest opportunity.

Burnham assumed office as the 59th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom earlier this month. Soon after his appointment, PM Modi had congratulated him, expressing confidence that the India-UK partnership would continue to grow stronger, particularly after the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

(With agency inputs)

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Indian judokas Harsh Singh and Asmita Dey on their gold medal-winning performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, describing it as a “historic day for Indian judo” and expressing confidence that their achievements would inspire greater interest in the sport across the country.

Harsh Singh clinched the men’s 60kg title after defeating Australia’s Joshua Katz by Waza-Ari (10-0) in the final, while Asmita Dey secured the women’s 48kg gold medal by overcoming Canada’s Heidi Quach with a Yuko (2-1) in a composed and determined performance.

In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Harsh Singh, praising his dedication and outstanding performance.

“Historic Day for Indian Judo! Congrats to Harsh Singh for winning a Gold. His passion and dedication are clearly reflected in the exceptional performance. Best wishes for the upcoming endeavours,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Congratulating Asmita Dey in a separate post, the Prime Minister said her victory would contribute to the growing popularity of judo in India.

“A golden performance indeed! Proud of Asmita Dey for winning a Gold in the Judo Women’s 48KG Final! This performance will always be remembered and will contribute towards Judo becoming even more popular. Best wishes for her endeavours ahead,” he said.

Harsh’s victory earned India its second judo gold medal of the Games, following Asmita’s triumph earlier in the day.

In the men’s 60kg final, Australia’s Joshua Katz started aggressively in search of an early advantage, but Harsh defended resolutely and prevented his opponent from scoring. Both judokas exchanged attacks throughout the opening stages, with neither able to establish a decisive lead.

Katz came close to pinning Harsh at one stage, but the Indian escaped before launching an immediate counterattack. Despite the intense exchanges, the contest remained scoreless for much of the bout.

The decisive moment came with 3:19 remaining, when Harsh executed a perfectly timed throw before pinning Katz to earn a Waza-Ari, which proved sufficient to secure the gold medal.

Asmita’s final against Heidi Quach was equally hard-fought. Both judokas engaged in intense grappling exchanges, repeatedly forcing each other towards the edge of the mat. Quach opened the scoring midway through the contest with a throw.

Despite receiving a Shido penalty, Asmita responded with a swift throw to level the scores. Growing in confidence, she launched a series of attacking moves while successfully defending against Quach’s attempts to regain the lead.

With the scores level at the end of regulation time, the contest moved into Golden Score, where the first scoring action would determine the winner. Holding her nerve, Asmita executed a well-timed throw near the edge of the mat to score the decisive Yuko, sealing the gold medal in dramatic fashion.

The twin victories took India’s gold medal tally at the Games to five, with the country now having won 19 medals overall—five gold, nine silver and five bronze.

India’s gold medallists so far are Mirabai Chanu (women’s 48kg weightlifting), Sharmila Dhankar (women’s shot put F57), Dilip Gavit (men’s 100m T47), Asmita Dey (women’s 48kg judo) and Harsh Singh (men’s 60kg judo).

The country’s silver medallists are Rishikanta Singh, Muthupandi Raja, Gyaneshwari Yadav, Sarvesh Kushare, Valluri Ajaya Babu, Harjinder Kaur, Gulveer Singh, Murali Sreeshankar, Mohammed Basil and Lovepreet Singh, while bronze medals have been won by Jhandu Kumar, Bindyarani Devi, Shilpa K. Shyla and Seema Kaliramna.

(With ANI inputs)

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Friday called for integrating grassroots innovators with India’s formal innovation ecosystem, asserting that the country’s next wave of economic growth will emerge from villages, small towns and local communities rather than only from laboratories and metropolitan centres.

Addressing the Grassroots Innovator Recognition Ceremony 2026 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, the Minister said India must create a seamless pathway to transform local innovations into nationally scalable enterprises. He emphasised that grassroots innovations are crucial for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The ceremony was held in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Sood, NITI Aayog CEO Nidhi Chhibber, senior government officials, scientists, incubator partners and innovators from across the country.

A total of 26 grassroots innovators were honoured for developing practical and affordable solutions across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, clean energy, water management, assistive technology, circular economy and sustainable livelihoods.

Singh said innovation should not end with recognition but should progress through scientific validation, technology development, incubation and market adoption. He stressed that local solutions must evolve into national assets capable of addressing India’s developmental priorities.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to democratise innovation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Minister said the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has expanded the country’s innovation ecosystem beyond premier institutions and urban centres. He said the initiative has enabled innovators from rural, tribal, hilly, coastal, aspirational and remote regions to actively contribute to India’s development.

Describing grassroots innovation as the true strength of India’s innovation ecosystem, Singh noted that the country has crossed 2.4 lakh startups, making it the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. However, he said the real measure of success lies in solving everyday problems through affordable technologies that improve the lives of farmers, women, artisans and entrepreneurs while generating sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister highlighted the role of Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) in bridging the gap between community knowledge and the formal innovation ecosystem. He said 25 ACICs are currently operational, while another 25 are under development. Together, the existing centres have supported more than 2,500 grassroots innovators by providing mentoring, incubation, technical guidance, market linkages and capacity-building support.

The 26 innovators recognised this year represent 16 states and 23 districts, with participants ranging in age from 24 to 66 years. The awardees include 11 women innovators whose work addresses challenges in agriculture, healthcare, water conservation, clean energy, sustainable manufacturing, disability support and rural livelihoods.

Among the innovations recognised were compact mini rice mills for small farmers, tractor-operated machines to reclaim uncultivable land, technologies that convert agricultural residue into high-value bio-products, AI-enabled soil diagnostic services, biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics made from agricultural waste, affordable assistive technologies for persons with disabilities and decentralised clean energy solutions.

Calling for stronger institutional support, Singh advocated closer integration between the Atal Innovation Mission and the Department of Science and Technology’s National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI). Such convergence, he said, would provide innovators with access to technology business incubators, centres of excellence, scientific validation, prototype development, intellectual property support, testing and certification, manufacturing partnerships, finance and market linkages.

Referring to the success of the National Innovation Foundation, the Minister cited the example of the Mitticool refrigerator, which evolved from a traditional clay-based innovation into a product backed by Bureau of Indian Standards specifications. He said the example demonstrates how grassroots ideas can achieve national recognition through sustained institutional support.

Singh also urged scientists, academic institutions, industry, incubators and government departments to work together to support innovators beyond the recognition stage. He said every innovator should receive assistance in design refinement, intellectual property facilitation, testing, certification and pilot deployment to ensure promising ideas reach the market.

Concluding his address, the Minister expressed confidence that with stronger collaboration across government, academia and industry, grassroots innovators would play a central role in shaping an Atmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India by 2047, with transformative ideas emerging from every village, district and community across the country.

Source: Government of India (4)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President’s Secretariat confirmed the meeting through a post on X, accompanied by photographs of the interaction. However, no official details were shared regarding the agenda or the issues discussed during the interaction.

The meeting came against the backdrop of key national developments, including the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament and the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi chaired the fourth special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the evolving situation arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, directing ministries and departments to strengthen coordination and ensure timely implementation of measures to safeguard India’s energy security, fertiliser supplies and the interests of Indian citizens and the diaspora.

The Prime Minister called for a unified and coordinated mechanism for regular monitoring of developments to enable swift decision-making and effective implementation of measures required to protect national interests.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary briefed the CCS on the prevailing geopolitical situation and the steps taken to maintain adequate supplies of petroleum products, including LPG, LNG and crude oil. He informed the committee that India has diversified its LPG procurement sources and that the overall stock and supply position of major petroleum products remains adequate.

The Cabinet Secretary said sufficient crude oil availability has enabled Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) refineries to operate at utilisation levels exceeding 100 per cent, ensuring uninterrupted production of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products. He also highlighted the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections and the government’s efforts to reduce dependence on LPG through the expansion of the National Gas Grid, augmentation of LNG import and regasification infrastructure, expansion of City Gas Distribution networks, and faster pipeline and last-mile connectivity approvals under the Pipeline Infrastructure Order, 2026.

The CCS also reviewed fertiliser availability for the upcoming Rabi season, including alternate sourcing options. The Prime Minister directed all concerned departments to take necessary steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers to farmers.

The welfare of Indian seafarers serving on domestic and foreign-flagged vessels operating in conflict zones also came up for discussion. PM Modi directed officials to establish a dedicated mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance and counselling services to seafarers and their families.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting Indian nationals, the Prime Minister said every effort must be made to safeguard both citizens and the Indian diaspora from the impact of the ongoing conflict.

Emphasising the need to strengthen India’s long-term energy security, PM Modi called for greater focus on renewable energy sources, including solar power and other non-fossil fuel-based energy alternatives, to reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the government should continue adopting a whole-of-government approach to address challenges arising from the crisis and ensure coordinated action across ministries to protect the country’s strategic and economic interests.