Safety of Indians in war zones government’s top priority: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that ensuring the safety of Indian nationals in war zones remains the government’s foremost priority amid the escalating conflict in West Asia.

Addressing an election rally in Palakkad, the Prime Minister said the government is working round the clock with international partners, while Indian embassies are operating 24/7 to support citizens and ensure their safety. He added that he is personally in touch with world leaders to prioritise the protection of Indians in conflict zones.

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Emphasising that nearly one crore Indians are based in the region, Modi assured their families that Indian missions are providing continuous support, including food, medical aid, and legal assistance.

“Our government’s priority is to ensure the safety of Indians. Gulf nations are also assisting Indians living in the Middle East, and our embassies are working tirelessly,” he said.

He noted that the conflict has triggered a global crisis in petrol and diesel supplies and assured that the government is taking decisive steps to shield citizens from the impact of rising international fuel prices.

Targeting the opposition, Modi accused the Indian National Congress and Left parties of making “dangerous” statements for political gain and of spreading “rumours and panic” during a sensitive global situation instead of supporting national interests.

Turning to Kerala politics, the Prime Minister claimed that both the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) have, in effect, acknowledged the BJP’s growing strength in the state.

“The CPM calls the Congress the BJP’s B-team, and the Congress calls the CPM the BJP’s B-team. This makes the BJP the A-team in this election,” he said.

Modi described the alternating rule of the LDF and UDF as a “tacit arrangement,” alleging that both alliances have engaged in corruption and stalled the state’s development.

He claimed Kerala’s debt has crossed ₹5 lakh crore and alleged misuse of public funds, promising that any wrongdoing would be investigated if the BJP comes to power.

He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA offers a forward-looking vision focused on skill development, social justice, tourism and technology. He highlighted the Centre’s contributions to Kerala’s infrastructure, including national highways and institutions such as IITs and ITIs.

Expressing confidence, Modi said the NDA would form the next government in Kerala and ensure rapid development. “With the blessings of the people, we will form the government here and leave no stone unturned in serving Kerala,” he said.

Praising the natural beauty of Palakkad, he described it as the BJP’s “gateway to Kerala” and likened the Kalpathy Temple to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He added that “development is Modi’s guarantee” and that the state is poised for transformation.

Referring to past political trends, Modi said Left governments have been voted out in states like West Bengal and Tripura, expressing confidence that a similar change would occur in Kerala.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister held a roadshow in Thrissur, drawing large crowds. The procession covered a stretch along Swaraj Round, with thousands of supporters welcoming him by showering flowers. Traditional art forms such as Kummatti Kali, Pulikali, and Kathakali were performed during the event.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi, along with NDA candidates including Padmaja Venugopal, KK Aneesh Kumar and CC Mukundan, joined the Prime Minister during the roadshow.