New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to remain united in the face of challenges arising from the ongoing “intense war” in West Asia, calling for vigilance and caution against misinformation.
Speaking during his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi also expressed gratitude to Gulf nations for extending support to over 10 million Indians living and working in the region.
He noted that a “serious conflict” has been unfolding in India’s neighbourhood for more than a month.
“This is a difficult period. Through today’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I once again appeal to all 140 crore citizens to stand together to overcome this challenge. I urge everyone to remain alert and not be misled by rumours,” he said.
The West Asia crisis began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US allies and Israel.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies, handling about 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Since the conflict began, traffic through the strait has been heavily restricted.
Since the escalation, Modi has held discussions with several global leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel and Malaysia.
He also spoke with US President Donald Trump on March 24, describing the conversation as a “useful exchange of views” on the evolving situation in West Asia.
