21 May,2026 02:23 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Pic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Sewa Teerth in the national capital at 5 pm on Thursday.
According to ANI sources, the meeting is being viewed as an important midterm review of the government's performance. The high-level gathering is expected to be attended by Union Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state.
The meeting comes amid rising global concerns over energy security and increasing fuel prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global maritime trade route.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had appealed to citizens to contribute towards economic resilience by reducing dependence on imported fuel and adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives. He urged people to use public transport, opt for carpooling, prefer railways for goods transportation, and increase the use of electric vehicles wherever possible.
Petrol and diesel prices were increased across the country on Tuesday. In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre. Similar hikes were recorded in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
This marked the second fuel price hike in less than a week after rates were raised by Rs 3 per litre on May 15. Global crude oil prices have remained elevated amid tensions linked to the US-Israel-Iran conflict earlier this year.
The ministers' meeting also comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi concluded his five-nation official tour covering the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
During his visit to Italy, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following which the two countries elevated bilateral ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership."
The two leaders reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 and discussed cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defence, technology, connectivity, education and the blue economy.
Meanwhile, Modi's recent five-nation visit has helped India secure an investment pipeline worth nearly USD 40 billion, with several global companies committing fresh investments and outlining expansion plans across key sectors, officials said.
During the visit, PM Modi held meetings with chief executives and senior representatives of more than 50 multinational companies spanning sectors such as semiconductors, logistics, infrastructure and technology.
(With ANI inputs)
