PM Modi Urges Push for Alternative Energy Amid West Asia Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has  directed the government to urgently explore alternative energy sources, including expanding the use of biogas as a substitute for LPG, amid growing concerns over global energy supplies due to the escalating crisis in West Asia.

According to reports, the directive came during a three-and-a-half-hour meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Modi shortly after his return from a five-nation tour covering the UAE and four European countries. Discussions during the visit reportedly focused heavily on the conflict in West Asia and its impact on global energy security.

Reports indicate that with the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting oil and gas movement, the Prime Minister stressed the need to reduce dependence on conventional fuel imports and strengthen India’s energy resilience through cleaner and locally available alternatives.

Modi also called for faster implementation of reforms across ministries, asserting that 'Viksit Bharat 2047' is not merely a vision but a national commitment. He urged ministers to focus on future-oriented governance rather than dwelling on past shortcomings.

According to sources cited in reports, the Prime Minister emphasised that reforms should improve 'ease of living' and must not create inconvenience or harassment for citizens. Ministries were asked to ensure that policy changes directly benefit the public.

The meeting reportedly featured presentations from several ministries, including External Affairs, Agriculture, Forest, Road Transport, Corporate Affairs, Labour, Commerce and Power, outlining reform initiatives undertaken over the past two years. Senior officials, the Cabinet Secretary and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog also presented updates on governance reforms and performance indicators.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reportedly opened the meeting with a briefing on Modi’s diplomatic tour and its outcomes.

Reports further stated that ministries were evaluated on governance metrics such as disposal of files and handling of public grievances, with rankings prepared for the top and bottom performing departments.