Page 4 - The Indian EYE 032026

COVER STORY MARCH 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 4

MIDDLE EAST WAR

INDIA FEELS

SHOCKS

From energy supply disruptions to threats to Indian nationals abroad, the escalating conflict involving Iran,
Israel and the United States is beginning to produce tangible economic and strategic consequences for India

OUR BUREAU

Tehran / Muscat / New Delhi
he rapidly intensifying conflict
in West Asia is beginning to
Tcast a long shadow over India,
exposing the country’s vulnerability
to global energy disruptions and geo-
political instability in the Gulf region.
As tensions escalate between Iran,
Israel and the United States, India
finds itself grappling with multiple
risks—from fuel supply concerns and
shipping disruptions to the safety of
thousands of Indian citizens living in
the region.
India’s leadership has moved
quickly to contain the fallout, com-
bining diplomatic outreach, domes-
tic energy measures and emergency
support for Indian nationals. Yet the
developments highlight the structur-
al dependence of the Indian econo- The Shenlong vessel carrying tonnes of Saudi crude oil enters Indian waters to be berthed at Mumbai Port on Wednesday. The Shenlong vessel
my on energy flows through the Gulf,
particularly the Strait of Hormuz, is the first India-bound tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Iran war began (ANI Video Grab)
one of the world’s most critical mari-
time chokepoints. zone. Modi emphasized that these is- markets. LPG, I would like to state that this
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sues remain at the center of the gov- Amid rising concerns over global remains a matter of concern for us.
underscored the seriousness of the sit- ernment’s response. supply constraints of LPG due to the Nevertheless, despite this situation,
uation in a conversation with Iranian “The safety and security of Indi- ongoing tensions in West Asia, the no dry out has been reported at any
President Masoud Pezeshkian, focus- an nationals, along with the need for Ministry of Petroleum and Natural of our 25,000 distributors. I would
ing on the deteriorating security en- unhindered transit of goods and en- Gas on Friday assured that India has like to appeal to all fellow citizens
vironment and its wider implications. ergy, remain India’s top priorities,” adequate availability of petrol and die- not to give credence to rumors and to
“Had a conversation with Iranian he said, while reiterating India’s call sel across the country, while the LPG refrain from engaging in panic buy-
President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, for dialogue and diplomacy to end situation continues to remain a “mat- ing,” said Sujata Sharma.
to discuss the serious situation in the the crisis. ter of concern” for the government. But the Leader of Opposition
region. Expressed deep concern over The war’s impact on energy sup- Speaking during an inter-minis- Rahul Gandhi warned in Parlia-
the escalation of tensions and the ply routes is perhaps the most serious terial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint ment that the consequences for In-
loss of civilian lives as well as dam- challenge facing India. Nearly a fifth Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refin- dia could be severe if the waterway
age to civilian infrastructure,” the of the world’s oil passes through the ery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and remains blocked or unsafe. “A war
Prime Minister said in a post on X. Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway Natural Gas, said petrol and diesel has broken out in the Middle East.
Beyond humanitarian concerns, between Iran and Oman that serves supplies remain stable and available The United States, Israel and Iran
India’s immediate priority is safe- as the main gateway for Gulf energy at all fuel stations. “Petrol and die- are at war. This war is going to have
guarding the flow of energy and exports. Any disruption there can sel are available in adequate quanti- far-reaching consequences,” Gandhi
protecting its citizens in the conflict immediately ripple through global ties at all petrol pumps... Regarding Continued on next page... >>

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