India Bolsters Industrial Security and Citizen Welfare Amid West Asia Crisis: Inter-Ministerial Update

NEW DELHI, April 28, 2026 — As the geopolitical landscape in West Asia continues to evolve, the Government of India has launched a multi-sectoral strategy to shield domestic industries and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. In a high-level briefing held today, officials from the Ministries of Textiles, Petroleum, Shipping, and External Affairs detailed extensive measures to maintain stability. The Ministry of Textiles has secured a priority natural gas supply for the handicrafts sector, maintaining 80% of average consumption while deferring customs duties on 29 critical inputs. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has launched a massive enforcement drive against hoarding, seizing over 67,000 cylinders and registering 1,160 FIRs since March, while also cutting excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre to protect consumers from global price volatility.

On the humanitarian front, the government is prioritizing the welfare of the Indian community and maritime workers. The Ministry of Shipping has successfully facilitated the repatriation of more than 2,800 Indian seafarers, while the Ministry of External Affairs reported that over 2,461 nationals have been safely moved out of Iran via land routes. Air connectivity is also showing signs of stabilization, with approximately 105 flights operating today from the UAE to India. To ensure long-term energy security, the government is aggressively promoting the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), with over 42,800 LPG connections already surrendered. Authorities reaffirmed that domestic fuel stocks remain adequate and urged citizens to rely on official channels to avoid misinformation during this critical period.