Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a crucial meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) in New Delhi on Thursday, stressing the imperative for ceaseless oversight of the escalating West Asia crisis.

He urged a measured and proactive stance to safeguard India's national interests amid mounting uncertainties.

The high-level gathering included key cabinet colleagues: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi, and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, as well as Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

This marked the second convening of the IGoM, established last month specifically to track developments in West Asia. An official readout highlighted Singh's call for round-the-clock monitoring, given the volatile landscape, and emphasised calibrated responses to any emerging contingencies.

Singh underscored that no effort should be spared to shield ordinary citizens from the conflict's repercussions. The group received comprehensive briefings from seven empowered committees of secretaries on ongoing governmental interventions.

Particular attention turned to fiscal safeguards. The Ministry of Finance outlined steps to counter global trade disruptions, offering relief to manufacturing sectors and bolstering investor sentiment. A key measure was Wednesday's notification granting full customs duty exemptions on 40 vital petrochemical products until 30 June.

Further, a one-time relief package for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units allows sales of manufactured goods into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at reduced customs duties, effective from 1 April to 31 March next year. The Department of Revenue also clarified that General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) would not apply to investments predating 1 April 2017.

These initiatives aim to alleviate cost burdens on downstream industries such as textiles, packaging, and pharmaceuticals, while stabilising supplies and providing investment clarity. Singh praised the government's decision to limit monthly hikes in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic flights to 25 per cent from 1 April, shielding passengers from abrupt fare surges.

Energy security dominated discussions on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Domestic supplies have been prioritised, with refineries ramping up production to match demand fully. No shortages have been reported at distributorships, and cylinder deliveries proceed on schedule.

Transient supply hiccups stemmed from hoarding and black-marketing, sparking localised panic buying. Robust enforcement is underway, including raids across states and union territories, with penalties imposed on errant distributors.

To aid migrant workers and low-income households, 5 kg free-trade LPG cylinders are readily available; over 4.3 lakh units have been sold since 23 March, with heightened focus on high-demand regions. Industrial needs for commercial LPG are largely met, sustaining over 80 per cent of pre-crisis levels.

Stakeholder consultations with ministries and industries have mapped demands, while public sector undertakings (PSUs) guarantee Auto LPG availability nationwide. Private operators face procurement hurdles, leading to queues at PSU pumps; dual-fuel vehicles are advised to switch to petrol where feasible.

On social media, Singh noted that the IGoM reviewed current measures and plotted forward actions to blunt the conflict's adverse effects. This coordinated approach reflects India's determination to navigate geopolitical turbulence with resilience.

The West Asia crisis, with its ripple effects on energy markets and trade, poses risks to India's import-dependent economy. Yet, these pre-emptive steps signal a robust framework for mitigation.

Wider ramifications extend to defence postures, as Singh's leadership in the IGoM underscores the linkage between regional instability and national security. Continuous vigilance will be key as the situation evolves.

PTI