Round-the-clock monitoring, calibrated response must for India: Rajnath Singh

April 3, 2026

New Delhi, April 2: Round-the-clock monitoring and calibrated response must for India to stay prepared and deal with any eventuality amid the evolving West Asia crisis, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

IGoM Meeting on West Asia Situation

The second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), set-up to monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and suggest proactive measures for its minimum impact on India, was held under the chairmanship of Rajnath Singh here.

The meeting deliberated upon the recent developments at length, and the next steps to be taken by the Government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict.

Call for Vigilance and Preparedness

In view of the “uncertain situation”, Defence Minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality.

He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict.

Briefing by Empowered Groups

The seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation.

It was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence.

Economic Relief Measures Announced

These include:

• Full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30, 2026
• Special one-time relief for eligible SEZ units to sell goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027
• Assurance that GAAR provisions will not be invoked for investments made prior to April 1, 2017

These measures aim to reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors such as textiles, packaging, and pharmaceuticals, ensure supply stability, and boost investor confidence.

Fuel Price and Aviation Relief

Rajnath Singh appreciated the Government’s decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices for domestic operations, effective April 1.

This step is expected to protect consumers from sudden airfare hikes.

LPG Supply and Availability

The Government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements.

The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and deliveries continue as per the normal schedule.

Temporary supply concerns arose due to hoarding and black marketing, which led to panic buying in some areas.

Support for Households and Labour

To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, adequate availability of 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders is being ensured. Since March 23, 2026, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold, with special focus on high-demand states.

Industrial Supply and Alternatives

Industrial demand for commercial LPG is being met at over 80% of pre-crisis levels to ensure continuity of operations.

Meetings have been held with stakeholders to assess demand and ensure adequate supply. Oil PSUs are maintaining Auto LPG supply nationwide.

LPG deliveries per day have been significantly increased to handle demand spikes caused by panic buying.

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is also being promoted as a reliable alternative for industrial use wherever feasible, ensuring uninterrupted operations in sectors already dependent on it