Mumbai, May 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Principal Secretary and former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Monday said bioenergy and green hydrogen would remain among the Centre’s top priorities as India focuses on strengthening energy security and economic resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 here, Das said India’s resilience continues to be anchored in macroeconomic stability, adding that the government’s fiscal position and the banking system remain stable despite global uncertainties.

“Corporate balance sheets are now in a much better position to support fresh investments, while emphasising that the government remains committed to reforms and there is no complacency on that front,” he stated.

However, Das cautioned that escalating tensions between the US and Iran and the resulting supply disruptions are likely to continue imposing high costs on economies across the world.

His remarks came a day after Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens to adopt several measures aimed at helping the country withstand the economic impact of the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

The Prime Minister had urged people to work from home wherever possible, avoid non-essential gold purchases and refrain from foreign travel for a year.

He also appealed to citizens to reduce the use of cooking oil, foreign-made products and chemical fertilisers.

The measures are being viewed as part of a broader effort to conserve India’s foreign exchange reserves and reduce pressure on fuel imports amid volatile global energy markets.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also urged citizens not to panic, saying the government is taking “concrete steps” to minimise the impact of the ongoing geopolitical developments.

Singh chaired the fifth meeting of the Informal Empowered Group of Ministers on Monday to review risks to energy supply chains and assess domestic availability of essential commodities in light of the conflict in West Asia.

–IANS

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