Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its global impact, saying the situation has created challenges worldwide, including a fuel crisis. He thanked Gulf countries for supporting Indians living in the region during the crisis. He said over one crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations, and their safety remains a top priority.
He said, “Currently, a fierce war has been going on for a month in our neighbourhood. Relatives of lakhs of families reside in these countries, and particularly work in the Gulf countries. I am grateful to Gulf countries for providing every kind of assistance to over one crore Indians there.”
Addressing the 132nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the past month has seen rising tensions due to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. He noted that after the COVID-19 crisis, the world had hoped for stability, but conflicts have continued in many regions.
PM Modi said the war has affected global fuel supply, leading to concerns over rising petrol and diesel prices. Despite this, Modi said India has been able to handle the situation due to strong international ties built over the past decade. He said, “A crisis is developing around the world regarding petrol and diesel. Our global relations, the support we receive from various countries, and the strengths we have built over the past decade have enabled India to face these challenges resolutely.”
On the domestic front, Modi urged political parties and citizens not to politicise the issue. He said matters related to national interest should not be used for political gains and warned against spreading rumours. “All those politicising the issue should not do it. This issue is connected to the interests of 140 crore Indians, and there is no place for self-serving politics. All those spreading rumours are causing great harm to the country. I would also like to appeal to all countrymen to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. Trust the constant information provided by the government and take action based on that,” he said.
He called on people to stay united and rely only on official information, stressing that misinformation can harm the country during sensitive times.
“These are certainly challenging times. Today, through ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ I will once again urge all my countrymen that we must unite and overcome this challenge,” the Prime Minister added.