India puts off global steel conference citing Middle East crisis

NEW DELHI, April 8 (Reuters) - 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.