Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, warning that the situation could threaten India’s energy security as global instability grows.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Concern Over Oil Supply Risks
Rahul Gandhi said the world is entering an unstable phase and a major crisis could be looming ahead. In a post on social media platform X, he warned that India’s oil supply could be at risk because more than 40 percent of the country’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that the situation could be even more serious for LPG and LNG supplies.
He also pointed out that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has reached India’s neighbourhood. Referring to reports of an Iranian warship being sunk in the Indian Ocean, Gandhi criticised the Prime Minister for not issuing any statement on the matter.
Criticism Of Government’s Foreign Policy Approach
The Congress leader accused the Prime Minister of being inactive at a time when the country needs strong and stable leadership. According to Gandhi, India’s foreign policy should emerge from the collective will of its people and be rooted in the country’s history, geography, and values of truth and non-violence. He argued that what is currently visible does not reflect a clear or principled policy.
Middle East Tensions Push Crude Oil Prices Higher
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, global crude oil prices have increased by more than two percent. Reports suggest that Iran has disrupted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for energy supplies. There were also reports of a projectile attack on a container ship passing through the strait, causing damage to the vessel.
Despite the tensions, government sources say India remains in a relatively secure position for now. The country currently holds around 25 days of crude oil reserves and another 25 days of petroleum product stock.
India Highly Dependent On Oil Imports
India imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil needs, with nearly half of those imports coming from Middle Eastern countries through the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption in this region could therefore have a major impact on the country’s energy supply and economy.
