Attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub could slash exports by 17 per cent, impacting global energy supplies. PM Modi condemns the strikes and expresses India’s solidarity with Qatar amid rising West Asia tensions
QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 2. PIC/AFP
Qatar's Energy Minister said on Thursday that the attacks on the country's energy installations will reduce the export capacity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by 17 per cent, leading to an estimated annual revenue loss of USD 20 billion, news agency AFP reported.
"The damage sustained by the LNG facilities will take between three to five years to repair. The impact is on China, South Korea, Italy and Belgium," said Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in a statement.
"This means that we will be compelled to declare force majeure for up to five years on some long-term LNG contracts," the minister added.
‘In solidarity with Qatar’: PM Modi condemns attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia
In a strong display of diplomatic support, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Thursday to convey warm Eid greetings and firmly reiterate India’s condemnation of the recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.
The phone call comes amid escalating tensions that have threatened global energy supplies and maritime security.
PM Modi, in an X post, reiterated that India stands in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemned the attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure.
Spoke with my brother, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, and conveyed warm Eid greetings to him and the people of Qatar.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2026
Reiterated that we stand in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemn the attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure.
Expressed…
This unequivocal backing follows a blatant Iranian aggression against Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s premier LNG hub, which accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s LNG imports.
PM Modi specifically condemned the strikes on the facility, expressing India’s solidarity with Doha in addressing the aggression, news agency IANS reported.
The conversation between the two leaders also touched upon the welfare of the approximately 8 lakh-strong Indian community residing in Qatar.
PM Modi thanked the Qatari leadership for the care and support extended to the Indian community, a gesture warmly acknowledged by the Amir, who praised the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid rising volatility in West Asia, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic chokepoint between Iran and Oman has effectively become a high-risk zone.
Recent escalations follow Iran’s longstanding threats to disrupt passage through the strait, causing traffic to plummet by up to 97 per cent. Normally, the Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products daily — roughly one-fifth of global consumption — along with the bulk of Qatar’s LNG exports.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has exploited its geographic advantage, deploying fast attack boats, anti-ship missiles, and naval mines, making the narrow lanes — just three kilometres wide in either direction — extremely hazardous.
In recent days, at least 16 commercial vessels, including oil tankers, have come under attack, resulting in casualties and forcing many operators to abandon the route.
(With AFP and IANS inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
