PM Modi’s Marathon Meeting with Ministers Lasts Four Hours; Middle East Crisis and Other Key Issues Discussed

During the four-and-a-half-hour-long meeting, PM Modi urged his ministers to focus their efforts on realizing the ‘Vision 2047.’ (Photo: PIB)

The meeting of the Council of Ministers, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, lasted for approximately four and a half hours. During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the ‘Vision 2047,’ ‘Ease of Living,’ and various reforms. Nine ministries delivered presentations, while discussions were also held regarding the crisis in West Asia and its potential economic repercussions.

New Delhi: On Thursday May 21, 2026 evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a major meeting with all his ministers. The meeting extended for nearly four and a half hours. It covered a wide range of significant issues related to the nation’s progress, involved a review of the ministries’ performance, and laid down strategies for future action.

The meeting commenced at 5:00 PM at ‘Seva Teerth’ and continued for four and a half hours. It was attended by all Cabinet Ministers of the Central Government, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and other Ministers of State. This marked the first full Cabinet meeting of the year. Furthermore, the meeting took place as the Modi government approaches the completion of two years of its third term.

Why was the meeting convened?

According to sources, this meeting served as a form of ‘mid-term review’ for the government. Discussions covered the performance of various ministries, the major decisions taken over the past few months, the outcomes of those decisions, and the roadmap for future initiatives.

9 Ministries Deliver Presentations

Nine ministries presented an overview of their respective work during the meeting. The Ministry of Commerce was the first to deliver its presentation. Subsequently, the work of key ministries—such as Petroleum, Home Affairs, Finance, and External Affairs—was also reviewed.

The ministries had been instructed in advance to categorize and present their reform initiatives under four distinct heads: First, legislative amendments; second, changes in rules and regulations; third, policy modifications; and fourth, changes in operational procedures. Additionally, they were required to outline the impact these changes have had on the common people.

What did PM Modi say to the ministers?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued clear directives to his ministers to work with the year 2047 in mind—specifically, to keep the objective of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 constantly at the forefront of their efforts.

He emphasised the importance of “Ease of Living”—that is, simplifying the lives of common citizens—as well as the need for continued reforms. A key focus of the discussion regarding major government schemes and infrastructure projects was to ensure that implementation is proceeding effectively and that there is adequate coordination among the various ministries.

Discussion on the West Asia Crisis

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East (West Asia) are having an impact on India’s economy; this issue was also a subject of discussion during the meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed his ministers to take measures that would minimize any inconvenience caused to ordinary citizens as a result of this crisis.
Particular attention was directed toward sectors such as energy, agriculture, fertilizers, aviation, shipping, and logistics.

Notably, a high-powered informal group of ministers—led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh—has already been monitoring the Middle East crisis. However, Rajnath Singh was unable to attend Thursday’s meeting as he is currently on a visit to South Korea. Similarly, Health Minister J.P. Nadda could not attend the meeting as he is currently in Geneva.

External Affairs Minister Briefs on PM’s Five-Nation Tour

During the meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed all the ministers regarding Prime Minister Modi’s recent five-nation foreign tour.

He outlined the key achievements of the tour and the future roadmap established through these engagements.