Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured that the government is extending all possible assistance to Indian nationals stranded in Gulf countries amid the ongoing conflict, while criticising the Congress party for what he described as attempts to politicise the crisis. Addressing a public gathering in poll-bound Kerala, he said the opposition was making provocative and irresponsible remarks that could aggravate the situation for Indians living abroad.
The Prime Minister stated that Indian missions and embassies across Gulf nations are working round the clock to support citizens, adding that friendly governments in the region are also helping ensure their safety and welfare. He acknowledged that families in India were understandably anxious, as lakhs of Indians are employed across the Gulf region.
Emphasising the government’s crisis response record, Modi said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government has consistently acted decisively to rescue Indians caught in emergencies overseas. He referred to past rescue operations, including efforts to evacuate Indian nurses from conflict-hit Iraq and the rescue of Father Tom from militants in Yemen, stating that India does not abandon its citizens during times of distress. He added that similar efforts are underway to ensure the safety and assistance of Indians affected by the current conflict.
Modi described it as deeply unfortunate that the Congress party was, in his view, trying to derive political advantage during an international crisis. He alleged that certain statements made by the opposition were intended to escalate tensions, which could complicate evacuation and relief efforts.
He further accused Congress leaders of deliberately making inflammatory remarks so that Indians remain caught in the crisis, after which political campaigns could be launched targeting his government. According to him, such actions undermine national interest during sensitive global situations.
The Prime Minister also linked the crisis to the importance of energy security and economic self-reliance. He said strengthening the petroleum and petrochemical sectors is essential for building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and reinforcing the Make in India initiative. He noted that the foundation stone for a polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery was laid with this strategic objective in mind.
Highlighting lessons from recent global disruptions, Modi said events such as the Covid pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, and the ongoing Gulf conflict have repeatedly demonstrated the need for domestic capacity and reduced external dependence.
He added that India is receiving international recognition for its large-scale investments in modern infrastructure. The Prime Minister noted that the Union Budget has allocated record funding for infrastructure expansion to accelerate national development.
Modi concluded by stating that Kerala is among the states benefiting substantially from the Centre’s infrastructure push, with multiple development projects aimed at improving connectivity, industrial capacity, and economic growth.
