PM Modi Holds CCS Meeting to Review West Asia Situation, Stranded Nationals
CCS assessed Iran-US strikes' fallout, focusing on stranded Indians.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) late Sunday night to assess the rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The gathering at Modi's residence included key ministers such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alongside National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Convened after Modi's return from a two-day tour of states including Rajasthan and Gujarat, the session focused on the fallout from the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region.
Discussions centered on the safety and evacuation of stranded Indians in conflict zones, amid reports of disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz closure impacting oil supplies and air travel. This follows protests in Delhi over Khamenei's death, where security was already beefed up, and Modi's recent calls with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu—emphasizing civilian safety—and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Also Read: PM Modi To Chair CCS Meeting Tonight on US-Israel-Iran Strikes Impact
The CCS reviewed potential threats to India's strategic interests, including defense ties with Israel and energy dependence on Iran, while directing enhanced monitoring of domestic security amid global volatility. Indian missions abroad have activated helplines and contingency plans for over 10,000 nationals in the region, prioritizing their swift return if escalation worsens.
India's response aligns with its policy of strategic autonomy, urging de-escalation through diplomacy while preparing for economic ripple effects like rising fuel prices. The meeting underscores New Delhi's proactive coordination as Tehran observes a 40-day mourning period and vows further retaliation.
Outcomes remain confidential, but officials signaled readiness for all scenarios, with continued vigilance on social media, borders, and sensitive urban areas like Delhi. This top decision-making body's intervention highlights the crisis's gravity for India's security and foreign policy landscape.
Also Read: PM Modi Prioritises Civilian Safety, Urges Netanyahu to Halt Iran Hostilities
