Modi Pushes GOBARdhan, Biofuels and Solar as India Braces for West Asia Fuel Impact

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged states to fast-track alternative energy sources, including biofuels, solar power, and the GOBARdhan initiative, as India looks to reduce its dependence on conventional fuel imports amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The push came during a meeting PM Modi convened with chief ministers to assess the country’s preparedness for potential oil supply disruptions triggered by the West Asia conflict. Modi called on states to function as “Team India” a phrase he last used during the Covid-19 pandemic response.

A government statement said the Prime Minister “called for a parallel focus on immediate response and long-term preparedness,” urging states to step up efforts in promoting biofuels, solar energy, the GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility, and expanded piped natural gas connections.

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Modi also stressed the need to raise domestic oil and gas exploration. Among the schemes he cited, GOBARdhan drew attention for being relatively lesser known outside policy circles.

GOBARdhan short for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan covers government schemes and policies that promote the conversion of organic waste such as cattle dung and agricultural residue into biogas or bio-CNG.

On the governance side, the Prime Minister underlined the role of states in translating policy decisions into action. He called for sustained centre-state coordination, timely sharing of information, and joint decision-making to ensure quick and consistent responses across the country.

Modi noted that steps taken in recent years to strengthen India’s economic and supply systems were proving useful in the current situation.