Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12, 2026, to discuss the deteriorating security situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence, the loss of civilian lives, and the destruction of infrastructure in the region. He emphasized that the safety of Indian nationals and the unhindered transit of energy remain top priorities for India. Following the intensification of the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the Indian government is closely monitoring all regional developments.
What Did PM Modi and the Government Say About the Crisis?
The Prime Minister urged both sides to step back from the conflict and return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing issues. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also held three separate rounds of talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in recent days to discuss regional stability. While addressing the NXT Summit in Delhi, PM Modi asked citizens not to panic about LPG and fuel supplies in India. He confirmed that the country has already secured 70 percent of its crude oil requirements from non-Hormuz sources to maintain energy security.
To prevent black-marketing of fuel and LPG due to global volatility, the government is tightening local energy distribution rules.
How Are Indian Citizens and Shipments Affected?
The ongoing conflict has a direct impact on Indians living, working, and travelling in the Gulf region. The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory asking Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. Those who are already there are being provided assistance by the embassy.
- Students and pilgrims currently in Iran are being relocated to safer areas or assisted in returning to India through neighbouring countries like Armenia.
- The Directorate General of Shipping instructed Indian seafarers to avoid shore movement and asked recruitment agencies to stop sending personnel to the conflict zones.
- The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed following orders from Iran’s leadership. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that reports about Indian ships getting special transit permission are premature.
- A Liberia-flagged oil tanker from Saudi Arabia successfully arrived in Mumbai on March 11 despite the regional maritime disruptions.
