New Delhi, 21 April (H.S.):

Amid escalating West Asia crisis, the central government affirmed normal operations across ports, energy supplies, and dairy sectors Tuesday. All Indian seafarers remain safe, milk prices stable, and special maritime insurance fund operational, with integrated efforts prioritizing energy security, expatriate welfare, and supply chain continuity.

Ports, Shipping & Waterways Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal, at National Media Centre's inter-ministerial briefing, reported West Coast ports' container volumes plunging from 3,383 (March 8) to just 99—a 97% decline. Nationwide operations normalized with reduced yard occupancy.

Cabinet-approved 'Bharat Marine Insurance Pool' provides ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee fund easing marine insurance access.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal detailed heightened Gulf engagement: NSA visited Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister UAE, Petroleum Minister Qatar, Commerce Minister held multiple Gulf counterpart meetings—targeting energy security, Indian diaspora welfare, shared concerns.

Animal Husbandry & Dairying Director Pooja Rastogi confirmed seamless nationwide milk procurement, processing, distribution despite crisis. Prices stable, farmer payments regular, proactive measures ensuring dairy value chain resilience.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar