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India's Stance on West Asia Conflict: 1 Crore Diaspora, 60% LPG Imports, and 53 Lakh Tonnes Strategic Petroleum Reserves

Intl. RelationsEconomySecurity & DefenceHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
23 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:1 crore Indian diaspora60% LPG import dependency53 lakh metric tonnes SPROver 3 lakh Indians returnedDiversified imports to 41 countries
Bodies:Lok Sabha
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What This Article Covers

1.PM Modi stated India's opposition to attacks on civilian/energy infrastructure and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for dialogue.

2.India's significant exposure includes ~1 crore diaspora, 60% LPG import dependency, and key trade routes, prompting structural resilience measures.

3.Government response includes safe return of over 3 lakh Indians, diversification of energy imports to 41 countries, and building strategic petroleum reserves exceeding 53 lakh metric tonnes.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Prime Minister Modi articulated India's strategic and humanitarian concerns regarding the West Asia conflict, highlighting its massive economic and demographic stakes. He termed attacks on energy infrastructure and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable, while detailing India's multi-pronged response involving diplomacy, energy security measures, and evacuation of citizens.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Indian Diaspora in GulfAround 1 crore (10 million)
LPG Import DependencyNearly 60%
Strategic Petroleum ReserveExceeding 53 lakh metric tonnes
Indians Safely ReturnedOver 3 lakh (300,000)
Energy Import Source CountriesDiversified from 27 to 41

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Indian Diaspora in Gulf: Around 1 crore (10 million)
  • ›LPG Import Dependency: Nearly 60%
  • ›Target this Data: 1 crore Indian diaspora in Gulf, 60% LPG import dependency, 53 lakh metric tonnes SPR capacity.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
  • ›Target this Geo-strategic Point: The Strait of Hormuz as a critical global oil chokepoint.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The management of India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) is under the purview of which ministry?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding India's position on the West Asia conflict as mentioned in the article:

1. India has termed attacks on commercial ships and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable.

2. India imports nearly 60 per cent of its crude oil needs from the West Asia region.

3. Over three lakh Indians have returned home safely since the beginning of the conflict.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what is the current capacity of India's strategic petroleum reserves?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason cited in the article for India's deep concern regarding the West Asia conflict?

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