Key takeaways of 5th IGoM on West Asia chaired by RM

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh chaired the 5th meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) on West Asia at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi on May 11, 2026. The meeting took stock of the latest developments in the conflict, and discussed ways to bolster India’s readiness to ensure its minimum effect on the people. Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda; Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri; Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju; Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal; and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh attended the meeting.

The IGoM was informed that the country is secure, and there is no shortage of any petroleum product, even as most other nations have taken emergency measures to dramatically reduce domestic consumption. India has 60 days of crude oil, 60 days of Natural Gas and 45 days of LPG rolling stock. The foreign exchange reserves stand at a comfortable $703 billion. India is the world’s third largest oil refiner and fourth largest exporter of petroleum products, exporting to over 150 countries and is meeting domestic demand in full. But there is a huge cost being borne by the nation as international crude prices are continuing at very high levels. Fuel conservation can ease this burden.

Raksha Mantri directed the officials to take concrete steps to implement the Prime Minister’s appeal at the ground level. The Prime Minister, on May 11, 2026, exhorted the people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using metros & public transport, opting to car pooling; help conserve foreign exchange reserves by refraining from unnecessary foreign travel, choosing domestic tourism & celebrations within India, and avoiding non-essential gold purchases for a year. (UPDATED ON 11TH MAY 2026)