3 min readNew DelhiMar 25, 2026 03:35 AM ISTThese groups were constituted by the Cabinet Secretariat on Monday, a day after PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee.The Centre has set up seven Empowered Groups (EGs) of Secretaries to monitor and assess the impact of the West Asia conflict and take necessary remedial measures to mitigate adverse effects of any disruption, The Indian Express has learnt.These groups were constituted by the Cabinet Secretariat on Monday, a day after PM Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the “global situation” and directed that a team of ministers and secretaries be created for a “whole of Government approach”, said sources.These groups are on lines of the EGs constituted in 2020 to formulate the government’s response during the Covid-19 pandemic.According to sources, the seven EGs will cover security, defence and external affairs (Convener-Foreign Secretary), economy and finance (convener – Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs), energy (convener – Petroleum Secretary), fertilizer and other agricultural inputs (convener – Fertilizers Secretary), supply of essential commodities (convener – Consumer Affairs Secretary), transport and logistics (convener – Shipping Secretary) and communications (convener – Information and Broadcasting Secretary).Sources said the groups have started working and one of them has called its first meeting on Wednesday.“These Groups will identify issues and take immediate steps to address the situation. They will also formulate plans, strategise operations and take all necessary steps for their time-bound implementation,” said a source. The EGs will assess risks to energy supplies and pricing and take measures to mitigate disruptions, said the sources.They will examine potential disruptions to trade, supply chains and logistics, including shipping routes, ports, aviation corridors and critical imports exports, and take pre-emptive mitigation measures. These groups will monitor domestic availability and price stability of essential commodities including food items, fertilizers, fuels and other critical inputs.Story continues below this adThe group on economy and finance will also look after issues related to exports and imports, while the energy group will keep a watch on supply of petroleum products and identify “alternative import sources” to reduce dependency and improve resilience.The group on supply of essential commodities will monitor prices of food and essential items. The group on transport and logistics will have secretaries from Railway and Civil Aviation ministries among others.Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister’s Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:West AsiaAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Live BlogUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump claims Iran has agreed ‘never’ to have a nuclear weapon3 hours agoRajshaladarpan.nic.in, RBSE Rajasthan Class 5th & 8th Results 2026 LIVE: Board declares results for 5th and 8th3 hours agoDubai, UAE News Highlights: Iranian strikes cause fire at company facility in Bahrain5 hours agoDhurandhar 2 Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 5 LIVE Updates: Ranveer Singh-starrer crosses Rs 550 cr mark in India, earns over Rs 850 cr worldwide5 hours agoGold, Silver Rate Today, 24 March 2026 Live Updates: India extends gold import licence validity under UAE CEPA trade pact7 hours ago