![\"Middle](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132750106,imgsize-92184,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/pm-modi-on-middle-east-crisis.jpg\" "\\"File")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Amid the deepening Middle East crisis, PM Narendra Modi Thursday chaired what was the fourth special meeting of the cabinet committee on security (CCS) and directed establishment of a mechanism to provide timely information, emergency assistance and counselling to seafarers, serving on both domestic and foreign-flagged vessels, and their families.“The PM said all efforts must be made to safeguard citizens as well as the Indian diaspora from the impact of this conflict,” an official statement said. It added that Modi also addressed issues related to fertilisers, energy and safety of Indian diaspora and seafarers, while calling for a whole-of-government approach to tackle the challenges.The release said the meeting also assessed the fertiliser requirement for the ensuing rabi season and discussed alternative sources of fertilisers. “PM said that all measures be taken for ensuring uninterrupted supply of fertilisers,” it said.Persons familiar with the discussion said fertiliser stock was 30-35% higher than last year and there was no reason for any concern.<\/p>\n Similarly, in the case of gas as well as crude oil, supplies were more than adequate, with cabinet secretary T V Somanathan in a presentation underlining that government\u2019s strategy to diversify the sources had helped mitigate the risk.\u201cAvailability of adequate crude oil has enabled central public sector enterprise refineries to operate at utilisation levels exceeding 100%, ensuring continued production of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products. Initiatives have also been taken to expand PNG connections which have resulted in substantial increase in PNG connections,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n Share your thoughts in the comments<\/p>\n<\/div>\nPM urges energy independence amid W Asia crisis<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n