India puts off global steel conference citing Middle East crisis

NEW DELHI : India’s federal steel ministry has postponed a global steel ​conference scheduled for April 16-17 ‌in New Delhi, citing disruption to international participation due to the Middle East crisis, the ​ministry said.

“In view of the ​evolving global situation, including the West ⁠Asia crisis, a number of ​participating delegates, speakers, exhibitors and other stakeholders ​are facing considerable inconvenience and hardship in relation to travel, logistics, scheduling and associated ​arrangements,” a Ministry of Steel statement ​said on Wednesday.

The Middle East conflict began on ‌February ⁠28 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. Tehran has since closed the Strait of Hormuz ​and struck ​sites ⁠in other countries in the region. In a separate statement ​issued earlier today, the government ​said ⁠the steel sector will need to navigate challenges on energy security even ⁠as ​the sector was expected ​to maintain growth momentum with demand remaining robust.

Source : Reuters