PM Modi warns of long-lasting impact of middle east war, calls for preparedness like COVID-19 crisis

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the situation in West Asia as worrying. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday about the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the situation facing India due to it, he said that the government is sensitive, vigilant and ready to provide all assistance. PM Modi told the Lok Sabha that the impact of the Iran-Israel war could be long-lasting. We have to be prepared like for the Corona crisis. However, we are also exploring alternative solutions to meet India's energy needs.

The situation in West Asia is worrying. Over the past two to three weeks, S. Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri have provided important information to the House on this issue. This crisis has been ongoing for more than three weeks. It is adversely affecting the economies of countries and the lives of people. Therefore, the world is urging all parties to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Modi said that the war has also posed unprecedented challenges for India. These challenges are economic, national security-related, and humanitarian. India has extensive and commercial relations with the countries at war and affected by the war. The region where the war is taking place is also an important route for our trade with other countries around the world. In particular, this region meets a large portion of our crude oil and gas needs.

He said that this region is important to us for another reason as well. Nearly 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Commercial ships plying there also have a significant number of Indian crew members. Due to these diverse reasons, India's concerns are naturally high. Therefore, it is essential that a unanimous and unified voice be heard from the Indian Parliament regarding this crisis.

PM Modi said that ever since the war began, every Indian has been provided with necessary assistance. I personally have had two rounds of phone conversations with the heads of state of West Asian countries. All have assured the safety of Indians. Unfortunately, some people have tragically died and others have been injured. In such difficult circumstances, necessary assistance is being provided to the affected families. Those who are injured are being ensured the best possible treatment.

He said that all our missions in affected countries are continuously engaged in assisting Indians. Whether Indians working there or tourists, everyone is being provided with all possible assistance. Our missions are regularly issuing advisories. 24-hour control rooms and emergency helplines have been established both here in India and in other affected countries. All Indians are being provided with prompt information.

The Prime Minister stated that the safety of Indians has been a top priority during times of crisis. Since the war began, more than 372,000 Indians have returned safely to India. One thousand Indians have returned safely from Iran. Among them, more than 700 are young medical students. Thousands of students study in Indian schools in Gulf countries. The CBSE has canceled Class 10 and 12 examinations in all such Indian schools. The CBSE is taking appropriate steps to ensure that students' education continues uninterrupted.