NEW DELHI: The escalating crisis in West Asia, driven by tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, appears to have prompted India to reassess its long-term energy security strategy.
Concerned over the possibility of future disruptions in fuel supplies from oil-exporting nations, the NDA government is learnt to have started preparing a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening India’s self-reliance in the energy sector.
At a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers held on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly placed significant emphasis on expanding alternative energy sources such as solar power, biomass and biogas.
Stressing the importance of reducing dependence on imported fuels, the Prime Minister is learnt to have urged ministers to actively promote sustainable and indigenous energy solutions capable of insulating the country from global geopolitical shocks.
During the meeting, Narendra Modi also reiterated his government’s broader vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
He directed cabinet colleagues to continue working in mission mode towards achieving the national objective of building a “Viksit Bharat”, while ensuring governance remains aligned with the evolving needs of a modern economy.
Discussions at the high-level meeting largely centred on improving “Ease of Living” and “Ease of Doing Business”, themes that continue to remain central to the government’s governance agenda.
The Prime Minister reportedly called for accelerated reforms across sectors so that the pace of development could be further strengthened with renewed vigour.
A day after the meeting, Narendra Modi summed up the deliberations in a social media post, stating: “Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat.”
Key ministries, including Petroleum and Finance, made detailed presentations and sectoral roadmaps during the meeting.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to promote biogas as a viable alternative to LPG for domestic cooking purposes amid continuing uncertainty in West Asia.
Apart from energy-related issues, presentations were also made on critical sectors such as agriculture, forestry, labour, road transport, corporate affairs, external affairs, commerce and power, with ministers outlining priorities and future strategies for sustained national development.
