Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday chaired the second meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) to review the evolving situation in West Asia and assess its potential impact on India amid the ongoing regional conflict.
The meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi, focused on deliberating recent developments and charting proactive steps to minimise any adverse effects on the country. Singh emphasised the need for continuous vigilance, stating that **round-the-clock monitoring** and a **calibrated response** are essential for India to remain prepared and effectively handle any eventuality.
Key attendees included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals & Fertilizers Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, and Railways, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries briefed the IGoM on measures already underway to safeguard India’s economic and energy interests. The government has introduced several relief measures to counter global trade disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, which has disrupted energy supplies and shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
**Key Relief Measures Announced:**
- Full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products until June 30, 2026, to ease cost pressures on downstream sectors such as textiles, packaging, and pharmaceuticals.
- A special one-time relief for eligible units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) allowing sale of manufactured goods in the Domestic Tariff Area at concessional customs duty rates, effective from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
- Clarification that the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) will not apply to investments made prior to April 1, 2017, providing investor clarity.
Singh appreciated the decision to impose a **25% cap on monthly increases in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices** for domestic operations, effective April 1, 2026. This measure aims to shield citizens from sudden spikes in airfares.
On the energy front, the government has prioritised domestic **LPG supply**, enhancing refinery production to meet full consumption needs. No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships, and cylinder deliveries continue on schedule. Temporary concerns stemmed from hoarding and black marketing, prompting panic buying in some areas. Strict enforcement actions, including raids across multiple states, are underway, with action taken against errant distributors.
To support migrant workers and low-consumption households, over 4.3 lakh **5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders** have been sold since March 23, 2026, with special focus on high-demand states. Industrial requirements for commercial LPG are being met at over 80% of pre-crisis levels. Auto LPG supplies from public sector undertakings continue, while private operators face some constraints.
The government is also promoting **Piped Natural Gas (PNG)** as a reliable alternative for industrial use wherever feasible.
Ministers were informed about deliberate attempts by miscreants to spread panic through photoshopped images and misleading content on social media. Citizens have been urged to rely solely on official sources and avoid sharing unverified information.
This follows the first IGoM meeting held on March 28, 2026, where Singh had directed officials to adopt a medium- to long-term preparedness approach with high-level coordination and swift decision-making.
The IGoM was constituted to monitor the West Asia situation—marked by escalating tensions and disruptions—and suggest measures to protect India’s interests in energy security, supply chains, and overall economic stability.
