“Challenging times”, says PM on West Asia crisis during Mann ki Baat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 29, 2026) noted that the situation in West Asia had created “challenging times” and called for those “politicising” the issue to refrain from doing so. He cautioned Indians against believing rumours related to the crisis.

Speaking during his monthly Mann Ki Baat address, the Prime Minister said that following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was expected that the world would move forward on a path of renewed progress.

“However, situations of war and conflict have continuously kept arising in different parts of the world,” he said. “Presently, a fierce war has been going on in our neighbourhood for a month. Millions of our family members, near and dear ones, live in these countries, especially working in the Gulf countries.”

“I am deeply grateful to the Gulf countries for providing all kinds of assistance to more than 1 crore Indians there,” he added.

Mr. Modi noted that the West Asian region is a major centre of India’s energy needs, and due to the ongoing war, a “crisis” regarding petrol and diesel is emerging around the world.

“These certainly are challenging times,” he said. “I would once again urge all my countrymen that we must unitedly overcome this challenge. Those who are politicising even this issue should refrain from doing so. This is a matter concerning the interests of 140 crore countrymen; there is no place for self-serving politics.”

“Therefore, those who are spreading rumours are causing a major harm to the country,” Mr. Modi added. “I would also appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. Trust only the continuous information provided by the government and take action based only on that.”