PM Modi said a “fierce war” has been ongoing in India’s neighbourhood for over a month, calling it a difficult period that requires collective responsibility and awareness from all citizens
PM Modi also expressed gratitude to countries in the Gulf region for supporting more than one crore Indians. File Pic/AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to remain united and vigilant in the face of challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the PTI reported.
Speaking during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he appealed to people not to believe or spread rumours.
According to the PTI, PM Modi said a “fierce war” has been ongoing in India’s neighbourhood for over a month, calling it a difficult period that requires collective responsibility and awareness from all citizens.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to countries in the Gulf region for supporting more than one crore Indians living and working there during the crisis.
The conflict
Noting the global turbulence amid the conflict between US-Israel and Iran, he said, "The month of March has been eventful at a global level. In the past, the entire world faced numerous problems for a long time due to the Covid. We all expected that after emerging through the Covid-19 crisis, the world would move forward on the path of progress with a fresh start. But conditions of war and conflict continued to emerge in different regions of the world. 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.," according to the ANI.
"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. 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.
Appeal against misinformation
PM Modi warned that rumours could cause harm to the country and urged citizens to rely only on official information provided by the government, reported the ANI.
Amid rising fuel prices and concerns over LPG supply, the government has taken steps such as reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel and accelerating the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure, the news agency reported.
Diplomatic engagements continue
The Prime Minister has been in touch with several global leaders, including Donald Trump and Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia.
Global conflict background
The conflict began on February 28, involving military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes by Iran targeting regional allies.
Iran’s control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has also raised global concerns, as it is a key route for energy supplies.
PM Modi has held discussions with several world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel and Malaysia.
He also spoke with Donald Trump on March 24, describing the conversation as a useful exchange on the evolving situation.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)
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