Bengaluru, Nov. 13 -- The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the Gulf region has highlighted the importance of energy security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, asserting that India was able to withstand the challenges due to steps taken over the past decade to strengthen its energy infrastructure.

Addressing a gathering in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Modi said the country had expanded petrol, diesel and LPG production, increased crude oil storage capacity and diversified its energy sources through solar, hydro and wind power. Near-total railway electrification and the expansion of metro networks had also helped reduce dependence on conventional fuels.

"India weathered this challenging period firmly due to steps taken over the past decade,...