India has welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran. Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that New Delhi hopes this will lead to lasting peace in West Asia and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized that India welcomes all steps that lead to peace and stability and expressed hope that this development in West Asia will also encourage peace efforts in Ukraine. Mr. Jaiswal informed that to support Indian nationals and their families, a dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational. He noted that the Embassy of India has issued an advisory urging them to expeditiously exit Iran. The spokesperson added that around 7,500 Indian nationals remain in Iran.
Joint Secretary at the Coal Ministry, Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, said that sufficient stock of coal is available at mines and power plants across the country. He said that there has been no rise in the price of coal and adequate stock of coal have been maintained in the wake of the evolving West Asia conflict. Mr. Kassi said that coal production continues to match consumption levels without deficit. He further said that with the strong logistics support from Indian Railways, the coal sector is fully equipped to meet the nation’s energy needs.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said that LPG, petrol, and diesel are available in sufficient quantities across the country and normal supply is continuing. She added that domestic consumers were prioritized to ensure 100 percent supply to households and the supply of commercial LPG was regulated. She said that the government expanded the PNG connections and also increased the supply of commercial LPG in a calibrated manner.
Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, said that port operations across the country are normal and no congestion has been reported. He added that the Ministry has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 700 Indian seafarers, including 63 from several regional locations across gulf nations. Mr. Mangal said that the Directorate General of Shipping's control room has handled more than 5,000 calls and over 11,000 emails since its activation. He said that the Ministry continues to coordinate with other maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.