Tiruchirappalli

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted the global energy supply chain, while assuring citizens that the government will continue to prioritise national interests under its “India First” approach.

Addressing a public meeting in Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, Modi urged people not to panic and advised them to rely only on verified information amid the evolving global situation.

“Today I want to speak to the people of Tamil Nadu about the conflict in West Asia. It has affected the entire world’s energy supply chain. We believe in the ideology of India First,” he said.

“In every situation, our government has always placed the interests of Indians above everything else. Even in these times, our approach will remain the same. There is no need to panic or pay attention to rumours. I appeal to everyone to spread only correct and verified information,” he added.

"West Asia conflict has affected world's energy supply chain, we believe in India First ideology": PM Modi in Tamil Nadu

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The prime minister also recalled the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying more than 100 crore Indians had demonstrated the nation’s maturity in dealing with crises.

“I am confident that as a nation we will navigate every situation successfully,” he said.

Earlier, addressing a rally in Ernakulam in Kerala, Modi said India was making all efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens working in the Gulf region amid the ongoing tensions.

“It is natural for you to be concerned about what is happening in West Asia today. Millions of our brothers and sisters work there. But you must remember that the Bharatiya Janata Party–National Democratic Alliance government is in power today. Whenever our countrymen have faced trouble, we have used all our strength to protect them,” he said.

The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Gulf countries for ensuring the safety of Indian nationals, adding that Indian embassies and missions in the region were providing round-the-clock assistance.

“Our embassies and missions are working 24/7 to help them. They are providing food, shelter and protection,” he said.

Modi criticised the Indian National Congress for its remarks on the government’s handling of the West Asia conflict, accusing the opposition party of making provocative statements during a global crisis.

“It is unfortunate that the Congress party is looking for politics at a time of global crisis,” he said.

In his speech in Tiruchirappalli, the prime minister also targeted the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, alleging that the party follows a “scientific corruption model”.

“In 2021, the people of Tamil Nadu brought DMK to power. Instead of treating it as a responsibility, they have betrayed the mandate. In DMK, everything begins and ends with one family,” he said.

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Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹5,650 crore in Tiruchirappalli.