Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers of various states on Friday in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its potential global impact. The meeting will be conducted via video conferencing and will focus on reviewing state-level preparedness and future planning. Chief Ministers of five states where assembly elections are underway will not participate in the meeting.
During his address in Parliament earlier, the Prime Minister stated that the situation arising from the conflict in West Asia could have long-term global consequences. Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic period, he said that the Centre and states had worked together as “Team India” and presented an effective model of crisis management. He emphasized the need for similar coordination under the current circumstances to address potential challenges.
The conflict in the West Asia region, which has long been a center of geopolitical tension, has raised concerns about its impact on energy supply, trade, and the global economy. India, which depends significantly on oil imports, is closely monitoring the situation. According to sources, the meeting will review supply chains, availability of essential commodities, and emergency response plans. It will also aim to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted across the country in the event of any crisis.
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will not attend the meeting due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct in these states amid the ongoing assembly election process. However, the central government will hold separate consultations with Chief Secretaries of these states to ensure preparedness at all administrative levels.
Referring again to the COVID-19 period, the Prime Minister noted that coordinated efforts between the Centre and states had resulted in an effective crisis management framework. He reiterated that the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia could be prolonged and stressed the need for collective action by all states to maintain economic and social stability.
The government is also focusing on preventing panic and the spread of misinformation during this period. The meeting is expected to include discussions on ensuring dissemination of accurate information to the public and curbing fake news. States may also be directed to take measures against black marketing of essential commodities. The Centre has already stated that strict action will be taken against hoarding and profiteering.
