PM Narendra Modi Announces 7 Empowered Groups to Address Long-Term Impact of West Asia Conflict
On 24 March 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi announced the formation of seven empowered groups to address the long-term strategic and economic impacts of the escalating West Asia conflict on energy supplies, trade routes, and global supply chains, following a review by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
Overview of 7 Empowered Groups:
Group 1: Led by Vikram Misri (Foreign Secretary of India); covers defence, external affairs, and public order.
Group 2: Led by Anuradha Thakur (Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs, DEA, Ministry of Finance, MoF); focuses on finance, trade, and supply chains.
Group 3: Led by Neeraj Mittal (Secretary of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, MoPNG); oversees oil, LNG, LPG, and energy coordination.
Group 4: Led by Rajat Kumar Mishra (Secretary of Department of Fertilisers, DoF, under Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, MoCF); ensures fertiliser supply and agri inputs.
Group 5: Led by Nidhi Khare (Secretary of Department of Consumer Affairs, DCA, under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, MoCAF&PD); maintains price stability.
Group 6: Led by Vijay Kumar (Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, MoPSW) ; manages transport systems.
Group 7: Led by Sanjay Jaju (Secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MIB); handles communication and public outreach.