PM Modi credits diplomacy, 'India First' policy for steering the nation through global energy crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday credited the Centre's "India First" policy, timely decision-making and diplomatic outreach for helping India avoid fuel shortages during the recent global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia.

Addressing a public rally in Rajasthan's Balotra after inaugurating the country's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, the PM said India successfully protected its energy security while several countries struggled with supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.

Calling it the "biggest energy crisis of the 21st century", PM Modi said the government anticipated the challenge early, diversified energy imports and ensured uninterrupted supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG across the country.

Diplomacy expanded India's energy partnerships

PM Modi said India's diplomatic engagement played a key role in managing the crisis. According to him, before the conflict, India imported fuel and energy from around 25-26 countries. During the crisis, however, the number of supplier nations increased to more than 40.

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"Our friendships with other countries proved immensely valuable during this difficult period. India's diplomacy came into its own, and we sent a clear message that national interest and the welfare of our citizens come above everything else," PM Modi said.

He reiterated that "Nagrik Devo Bhava" (the citizen is supreme) remained the guiding principle behind the government's decisions and said every policy intervention during the crisis was aimed at protecting ordinary citizens.

'Right decisions at every level'

Highlighting the government's response, PM Modi said India "made the right decisions at every level", accurately assessed the evolving situation and adopted an effective strategy by making balanced use of available resources.

Referring to the global impact of the conflict, he said crude oil prices surged sharply while diesel prices rose significantly in many countries. Despite these pressures, he asserted that India did not experience any shortage of petrol or diesel.

"There was no challenge in the supply of petrol and diesel in India. Rumours were spread, but they did not succeed," the PM said.

He also noted that India continued exporting refined petroleum products even while safeguarding domestic requirements, demonstrating the country's growing strength in the global energy market.

LPG supply and opposition criticism

PM Modi said the government also ensured uninterrupted LPG supplies despite international disruptions. He claimed that global price trends could have pushed the cost of an LPG cylinder to nearly Rs 2,000, but government intervention ensured that consumers received cylinders at around Rs 950.

He also highlighted the benefits provided under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, saying poor households continued to receive LPG connections and cooking gas support despite global uncertainty.

Without naming any party, PM Modi accused the opposition of spreading fear and misinformation during the crisis. He said that while "some forces" were engaged in creating panic, the government was working round the clock to manage the situation through policy measures and diplomatic efforts.

"The hard work, patience and sensitive decisions taken at the policy and diplomatic levels will one day write history," the PM said.