Chaturvedi expressed concern over what she described as a delayed response from the Prime Minister, noting that his address to the Lok Sabha came weeks after tensions began escalating
Priyanka Chaturvedi. File Photo
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Tuesday strongly criticised the Centre’s handling of the ongoing West Asia crisis, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting a “partisan” approach and responding too late to a rapidly escalating geopolitical situation, reported news agency ANI.
Opposition questions delay in Prime Minister’s address
Chaturvedi expressed concern over what she described as a delayed response from the Prime Minister, noting that his address to the Lok Sabha came weeks after tensions began escalating. She argued that an earlier intervention could have helped clarify India’s diplomatic stance, particularly regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel and India’s response to developments in Iran, reported ANI.
According to Chaturvedi, the government missed an opportunity to communicate transparently with citizens during the initial phase of the crisis, which has now intensified into a major international concern with economic and humanitarian implications.
Allegations of ‘partisan’ approach in foreign policy
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further alleged that the Centre appeared to be taking sides in the conflict rather than maintaining a balanced diplomatic posture. She raised questions over the delay in officially conveying condolences following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it indicative of inconsistency in India’s foreign policy approach, reported ANI.
Her remarks come amid heightened political scrutiny over India’s diplomatic positioning as tensions continue to rise between major global players in the region.
Concerns over fuel shortages and public hardship
Chaturvedi also flagged discrepancies between government assurances and the situation on the ground. She pointed out that despite repeated claims by the Petroleum Ministry about maintaining a 75-day fuel reserve, citizens are reportedly facing shortages and rising difficulties, reported ANI.
She emphasised that the crisis has begun to directly impact daily life, with supply disruptions affecting essential commodities and putting pressure on households across the country.
PM Modi highlights economic and strategic challenges
Responding to concerns, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged in the Lok Sabha that the West Asia conflict poses “worrisome” challenges for India. He underlined the region’s critical importance for India’s energy security and trade routes, noting that a significant portion of the country’s crude oil and gas imports originates from the conflict-affected area, reported ANI.
The Prime Minister stated that the situation presents economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges, requiring careful monitoring and strategic planning.
Government prioritises LPG supply, boosts domestic production
PM Modi assured Parliament that the government has taken steps to safeguard domestic energy needs. He said priority has been given to household LPG consumers amid global supply uncertainties, while efforts are underway to increase domestic production.
He also highlighted that India currently maintains strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 5.3 million metric tonnes and that measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel nationwide.
Escalating conflict impacts global stability
The ongoing crisis began on February 28 following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader in joint military operations by the United States and Israel. The situation has since escalated, with retaliatory strikes targeting key assets in the Gulf region, disrupting maritime routes and triggering volatility in global energy markets.
As geopolitical tensions intensify, both the government and opposition continue to debate India’s preparedness and diplomatic strategy in navigating one of the most significant international crises in recent times.
(With inputs from ANI)
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