‘We will overcome this challenge’: PM Modi urges unity amid West Asia conflict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, March 29, flagged the global energy risks arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, urging citizens to remain united and avoid falling for misinformation, while cautioning against politicising the issue.
Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi said, “Currently, a fierce war has been going on for the past one month in our neighbourhood,” referring to the escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Highlighting India’s exposure to the region, the Prime Minister noted that “relatives of lakhs of families reside in these countries, particularly working in the Gulf regions,” adding that he was “very grateful to the Gulf countries for providing every kind of assistance to over 1 crore Indians there.”
He warned that the conflict could have significant global economic implications, particularly for energy supplies. “The region where the war is underway is a major hub of our energy needs. Due to this, a petrol and diesel crisis is developing worldwide,” Modi said.
Despite the challenges, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s preparedness, stating that the country is “resolutely facing these challenges because of its global relations, assistance from different countries, and the capability the country has built over the past decade.”
Calling the situation “undoubtedly a challenging time,” PM Modi urged citizens to stay united, saying, “Today, through Mann Ki Baat, I once again urge countrymen to get united and overcome this challenge.”
He also issued a strong warning against politicisation and misinformation around the crisis. “All those who are politicising the issue should not do it. This is an issue related to the interests of 140 crore citizens. There is no place for self-serving politics in this,” he said.
Modi cautioned that misinformation could harm national interest. “All those who are spreading rumours are causing great harm to the country. I would appeal to all the countrymen to remain aware and not get misled by rumours,” he said.
“The government is continuously providing information. Trust that and take steps based on it only,” he added.
Expressing trust in the country’s resilience, the Prime Minister said, “I am confident that just as we have always overcome past crises, through the collective strength of the country’s 140 crore citizens, this time too, we will overcome these difficult circumstances with great success.”