New Delhi, March 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said New Delhi is in talks with global partners to secure safe passage for all India-bound vessels carrying essential commodities, while comparing the geopolitical crisis to the covid pandemic outbreak. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the prime minister said India will overcome the crisis as it did during the pandemic, adding that the government is working to develop an additional 6.5 million tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves.

"The government is in constant contact with suppliers from different countries. Efforts are being made to ensure the supply of oil and gas from wherever possible. The government of India is keeping a close watch on shipping routes in the Gulf and surroun...