PM Modi Announces 7 Empowered Groups for West Asia Conflict Impacts
On 24 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced seven empowered groups to address long-term strategic and economic impacts of the West Asia conflict on energy supplies, trade routes, and global supply chains following a Cabinet Committee on Security review. Group 1, led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, covers defence, external affairs, and public order. Group 2, led by Anuradha Thakur of the Department of Economic Affairs, focuses on finance, trade, and supply chains. The initiative aims to mitigate risks to India's energy security and imports, including threats to 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day via the Strait of Hormuz. Recommendations include diversifying oil imports from US, Brazil, Russia, expanding Strategic Petroleum Reserves, and enhancing Operation Sankalp naval escorts.[1][2][3]
Try the question
Which group leads the empowered group on defence and external affairs?
Answer: (b) Vikram Misri
The correct answer is (b) Vikram Misri.