PM Modi's meet with CMs highlights: PM recalls ‘Team India’ effort during Covid-19 pandemic in meeting with CMs

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: PM Modi will inaugurate Phase I of Noida International Airport in Jewar on March 28, said a ANI report.

Modi said that the day is of immense importance for people of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR, emphasising the enhanced connectivity and diversion of traffic from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

"Tomorrow, 28th March, is a day of immense importance for the people of Uttar Pradesh and the NCR. Phase I of Noida International Airport will be inaugurated. This will boost commerce and connectivity. It will ease congestion at the IGI Airport in Delhi," he said.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee took a dig at the Centre, comparing their decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel to "bargaining" in a Saree shop for prices.

"This is like going shopping in a saree store. If you ask the price of a saree, he will perhaps tell you ₹1000. But after bargaining, he agrees to ₹400. Similarly, they have increased the price of gas. Even if they slash the excise duty now, where will the price actually stop?" Mamata Banerjee said.

Expressing her concern over the public inconvenience due to the LPG crisis, she demanded that gas cylinders from Haldia must not be sent out of West Bengal.

"What I am more concerned about is that the public should not face inconvenience...Although gas and petrol availability is sufficient in our region, I demand an overhaul in the entire administration - from Police officers to BDOs. I demand that the gas cylinders from Haldia in Bengal not be sent out of the state," she said. (ANI)

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The excise duty cut on petrol and diesel has been done with an eye on the upcoming assembly elections in four states and not because the government cared for consumers, TMC Rajya Sabha member Saket Gokhale says.

Gokhale demands an assurance from finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman that fuel prices will not be increased after April 29, when voting is completed in four states - Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. (PTI)

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The BJP launched a sharp attack on the opposition over its "misleading campaign" on fuel prices while welcoming the Centre's decision to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move will provide major relief to the common people.

BJP MP Anurag Thakur targeted the Congress, alleging that while the Narendra Modi government has reduced the burden on citizens, the Congress-ruled states have taken steps to increase it.

"First of all, we express our gratitude to the prime minister for the historic decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel. At a time when fuel prices have risen sharply across the world, India is perhaps the only country that has reduced excise duty and directly benefited 140 crore citizens," Thakur told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Union minister Nitin Gadkari has welcomed the govt's decision to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel, saying it reflects the government’s strong commitment to public welfare.

In a post on X, Gadkari described the move as a “citizen-focused step” taken at a time when global energy prices are rising due to the West Asia conflict.

“Amid the ongoing fuel crisis in West Asia, which has pushed global energy prices upward, the Government of India has taken a timely and citizen-focused step by reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel,” he said.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has hailed the central government's decision to cut the excise duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move shows its commitment to protecting citizens from the impact of global instability.

CM Patel said in a post on X, "Today, when crude oil prices have surged significantly at the global level, PM Modi has once again demonstrated his sensitivity towards the citizens by prioritizing their welfare above all. The Central Government has made a substantial reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel, which reflects the PM's commitment to protecting every Indian from the impact of global instability."

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking this public welfare-oriented decision. I also thank Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for implementing this decision promptly," he added.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday called for an end to the conflict in West Asia so that people across the world could live in peace.

"We are in a war situation. We all pray that God ends this war and peace prevails so that we all can live in peace," Abdullah told reporters after offering the Friday congregational prayers at Hazratbal Shrine here. (PTI)

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The Congress alleges that the government’s decision to cut excise duty on petrol and diesel was driven by upcoming assembly elections, noting that consumer fuel prices were not reduced even when global crude oil prices declined on seven occasions over the past 12 years.

The opposition’s criticism came after the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol by ₹3 per litre and fully exempted diesel from the levy.

Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said, “When global crude oil prices fell, as they did on seven different occasions in the past 12 years, consumer prices in India were not reduced.”

“Today’s announcement is because of assembly elections. Wait till April 30,” he added.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the petrol excise duty cut announced by the central government will shield consumers from the impact of rising global crude prices amid the ongoing war in West Asia.

Welcoming the government's announcement to slash excise duty on petrol to ₹3 a litre and exempt diesel from the duty, Fadnavis thanked the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving this "big benefit" to consumers.

"The burden (due to the situation in West Asia) won't be passed on to consumers," he said.

Fadnavis appealed people not to queue up at petrol pumps. "We have enough fuel," he said. There is also no need for hoarding of domestic gas, he added. (PTI)

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah condemned the "unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran" and requested PM Modi to use his influence to end the war in the interest of humanity.

He made the statement in the Legislative Assembly as the Leader of the House after several National Conference MLAs pressed for it, even as BJP legislators maintained that the Iran crisis is an international issue and does not fall in the domain of the House.

"On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I strongly condemn this unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran. I express my deepest condolences over the loss of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his associates and all those who have lost their lives in this conflict," the chief minister said.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The chief ministers of Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will skip the meeting as the Model Code of Conduct is in force ahead of Assembly elections in these states. Meanwhile, the cabinet secretariat will convene a separate meeting with the chief secretaries of poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry, according to PTI.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: As the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Congress MP Imran Masood on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a delayed response to key decisions.

Speaking to ANI, Masood said the government had failed to act in time despite the need for a neutral stance, leaving the country “stranded” and facing potential consequences. He described the situation as “dire”, adding that people are increasingly worried, with reports of commercial LPG cylinders being unavailable and widespread distress among citizens.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: In an X post, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said, "In this era of global challenges, the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji is proving to be a protective shield for the country. The decision to reduce the central excise duty on petrol from ₹13 to ₹3 per liter and on diesel from ₹10 to zero is highly commendable."

"This sensitive step will provide economic strength to millions of families across the country. At the same time, they will remain free from the uncertainties of global fluctuations. My appeal is that all citizens stay away from rumors and unite to contribute to the progress of the state and the nation," he added.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday dismissed rumours of a nationwide lockdown, saying the government is not considering any such move.

Urging people to remain calm, he called the spread of such speculation “irresponsible and harmful”, especially amid an ongoing global crisis

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The central government has increased commercial LPG allocations to states by 20 per cent, taking the total quota to 70 per cent of pre-crisis demand to support industrial needs, including sectors such as steel and automobiles.

In a letter to state chief secretaries, Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal directed that the additional supply be prioritised for labour-intensive industries like steel, automobiles, textiles, dyes, chemicals and plastics, which are critical to supporting other essential sectors.

"In addition to the existing 50 per cent allocation, an additional 20 per cent is now proposed, that would bring the total commercial LPG allocation to 70 per cent of the pre-crisis level of the packed non-domestic LPG," he wrote.

(PTI)

The prime minister will interact with the CMs on Friday evening through video conferencing on the West Asia conflict to review preparedness and plans of states. The meeting will focus on ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of Team India.

The interaction will review the preparedness of the states to meet the challenge of supply chain issues and constraints in the availability of cooking gas and fuel and will be in line with the PM’s efforts to build a collaborative effort to overcome the challenge, people aware of the matter, cited in the earlier HT report, said.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Kiren Rijiju on Friday welcomed the Centre’s decision to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel, calling it a move taken in the public interest amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.

Speaking to reporters, Rijiju expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi, noting that the decision was challenging given the current geopolitical situation, where the conflict has disrupted global fuel supply chains.

"On behalf of the public, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for taking such a big step in this difficult time. This was not an easy step to take, yet he has shown how to act in the interest of the public. Our MPs will also welcome this step and thank the PM today as the Parliament reconvenes today," he said.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump on Friday said that he and PM Narendra Modi are leaders who “get things done”, adding that this is something that “cannot be said for most”.

“Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that get things done, something that cannot be said for most,” the US Embassy in India said on X, sharing the message from Trump.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The Cabinet Secretariat will convene a separate meeting with the chief secretaries of poll-bound states Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday dismissed rumours of a nationwide lockdown, saying the government is not considering any such move. Urging people to remain calm, he called the spread of such speculation “irresponsible and harmful”, especially amid an ongoing global crisis.

His clarification came shortly after the Centre announced a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel, a step taken in response to global energy supply disruptions linked to the Iran-US conflict.

In a post on X, Puri said the global situation remains fluid and the government is closely monitoring developments related to energy, supply chains, and essential commodities in real time.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday explained the rationale behind the Indian government cutting the special excise duty on petrol and diesel amid the raging conflict in West Asia.

According to the union minister, the Narendra Modi government had only two choices: either increase fuel prices or bear the financial brunt so that Indian citizens are insulated.

“International crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month, from around 70 dollars/barrel to around 122 dollars/barrel. Consequently, petrol and diesel prices for consumers have gone up all over the world. Prices have increased by around 30%-50% in Southeast Asian countries, 30% in North American countries, 20% in Europe and 50% in African countries. The Modi Government had two choices- either increase prices drastically for citizens of Bharat as all other nations have done or bear the brunt on its finances so that Indian citizen is insulated from international volatility,” Puri explained in a post on X.

Puri said that the government has taken a huge hit to its tax revenues to ensure that oil companies' very high losses (approximately Rs. 24/litre for petrol and Rs. 30/litre for diesel) are reduced amid sky-high international prices. Read here

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The government of India has cut the special additional excise duties (SAED) on petrol and diesel, in a move seemingly to reduce losses of oil companies. In a government order on Thursday, the finance ministry reduced the special excise duty on petrol to ₹3 per litre from ₹13 earlier. It also cut the duty on diesel to zero from ₹10.

The notification comes amid supply disruptions due to the ongoing US-Iran war. “…the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do…,” reads a part of the order.

The changes were notified through amendments to central excise rules and duty structures, which “shall come into force with immediate effect,” as per the Gazette notification. Read more

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a meeting on Friday with chief ministers of all states, except those from poll-bound regions, to review their preparedness and response plans in light of the West Asia conflict.

The interaction, which comes days after the prime minister urged states to work together as “Team India”, will be held virtually, similar to the format used during the Covid pandemic.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: The all-party meeting, chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, saw the Centre brief political leaders on the evolving situation in West Asia, with discussions centred on energy security, diplomatic efforts and the safety of Indians abroad.

Leaders present said the government maintained there is no immediate shortage of oil, gas or LPG, underlining that domestic gas production has risen significantly and supplies remain stable, with adequate stocks in place.

People familiar with the meeting said the Centre described India’s ability to move ships through the Strait of Hormuz as a “diplomatic win”, noting that while several countries are facing disruptions, Indian vessels have continued to pass through.

The government reiterated that ensuring the safety of Indians remains its top priority, both within the country and for the diaspora in West Asia.

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri led a detailed presentation on the conflict and India’s position, followed by inputs from external affairs minister S Jaishankar and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

PM Modi's meet with CMs LIVE updates: 1. The prime minister will interact with the CMs on Friday evening through video conferencing on the West Asia conflict to review preparedness and plans of states. The meeting will focus on ensuring synergy of efforts in the spirit of Team India.

2. The interaction will review the preparedness of the states to meet the challenge of supply chain issues and constraints in the availability of cooking gas and fuel and will be in line with the PM’s efforts to build a collaborative effort to overcome the challenge, people aware of the matter, cited in the earlier HT report, said.