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India forms super groups to tackle Middle East conflict's impact on energy, commodities
The groups, similar to those set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, would act as quick-response teams, focusing on vital areas such as petrol, diesel, fertilisers, supply chains
- PUBLISHED: Wed 25 Mar 2026, 7:23 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Seven empowered groups have been set up by the Indian government to tackle the long-term impact of the Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed the upper house of the Indian parliament.
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The groups, similar to the one set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, would act as quick-response teams, focusing on important areas such as petrol and diesel, fertilisers, gas supply chains and inflation.
Modi said: "I am fully confident that through these shared and coordinated efforts, we’ll be able to navigate these circumstances more effectively." He also urged the states to work with the government in a ‘Team India’ approach to tackle the crisis.
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Modi also reiterated India’s position, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy were the only solutions for restoring peace in the Gulf.
The prime minister said India is in touch with Iran, Israel and the US in a bid to deescalate tensions. But if the crisis persists for long, there would be serious consequences, he warned.
Modi also referred to the unprecedented challenges that the war had brought upon India in terms of supply of essential goods. “But self-reliance is the only option,” he noted.
While urging Indians to be prepared for any eventuality, he warned miscreants against exploiting the crisis. He asked state governments to check black marketing and hoarding.
"There is a strong likelihood that the adverse repercussions of this conflict will persist for a considerable period,” said Modi. “However, I assure the people of this nation that the government remains vigilant and proactive; it is formulating strategies with the utmost seriousness and taking every necessary decision.”
