Chandigarh: Amid escalating tensions in Gulf countries and disruptions in key maritime routes, Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday urged the Centre to take decisive steps, calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shoulder responsibility to protect the country’s economic and energy security.Referring to a recent virtual meeting convened by the Prime Minister with chief ministers, Mann said the unfolding situation had created panic globally and was beginning to affect international trade and supply chains. He said the disruption of major sea routes had emerged as a serious concern for economies across the world.“A war-like situation in Gulf countries has created panic across the world. Disruption of key sea routes is emerging as a major obstacle in global trade and supply chains,” the chief minister said.Mann said leaders of all states highlighted their concerns during the meeting, pointing out that each state faced different challenges. While some states depend on mining or coastal trade, he said Punjab’s economy is closely linked to agriculture, industry, and its border location, making it vulnerable to such global disturbances.Calling for proactive leadership, Mann said it was time for the Prime Minister to use India’s global standing and diplomatic relationships in the interest of the country’s population. “This is the time for the Prime Minister to step forward and play a responsible role in stopping the war. The strong relationships that the Prime Minister shares with leaders across countries must now be used in the interest of 140 crore Indians,” he said.Flagging immediate concerns for Punjab, Mann stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, especially during the ongoing wheat procurement season. He said any shortage of petrol or diesel would directly affect farmers, transportation and procurement operations as wheat arrivals have begun in mandis.Criticising the Centre’s approach, Mann said that while there was frequent talk of India becoming a “Vishwaguru”, the current situation risked turning it into a “Vishwachela” if timely action was not taken. He added that the Centre must act swiftly to stabilise supply chains, ensure fuel availability and protect the country from the cascading impact of global instability. MSID:: 129865609 413 |
