Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the Centre is working relentlessly to minimise the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict on India, while accusing the Congress of making “dangerous” remarks that could put Indian lives at risk.
Speaking at a National Democratic Alliance rally in Kerala’s Palakkad, Modi said the government is maintaining constant vigilance over the evolving situation, particularly due to the large number of Indians living and working in the Gulf and other affected regions. He emphasised that ensuring their safety remains the government’s top priority.
“At a time when the world’s attention is on the war in the Middle East, our government is continuously working to ensure its impact on India is minimal,” Modi said, projecting a message of control and preparedness.
Diplomatic Push to Safeguard Indians
The Prime Minister said he has been in regular contact with leaders of countries involved in or affected by the conflict since its onset. These engagements, he noted, are aimed at securing the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in volatile regions.
He added that Indian embassies are operating round the clock to assist citizens and prevent hardship. “To ensure that our brothers and sisters do not face any difficulty, our missions are working day and night,” he said.
Modi also pointed out that many people from Kerala are employed in the Gulf, making the situation particularly sensitive for the state. He maintained that all countries involved are prioritising the safety of Indians, indicating coordinated international efforts.
Congress Remarks Spark Political Clash
Turning the crisis into a domestic political issue, Modi sharply criticised the Congress, alleging that its statements on the conflict are irresponsible and driven by political motives. He warned that such remarks could endanger nearly one crore Indians living in Gulf countries.
“You must remember the kind of statements the Congress is making on this sensitive issue. They are dangerous,” he said, accusing the opposition of seeking political gains at the cost of national interest.
The remarks mark a significant escalation in rhetoric, with the Middle East conflict becoming a point of contention in the run-up to elections.
Attack on Kerala’s Political Establishment
The Prime Minister also launched a strong attack on Kerala’s two dominant political alliances, the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front. He accused both of long-standing corruption, vote-bank politics, and governance failures.
“For decades, the LDF and the UDF have together looted Kerala. In this arrangement, the state has remained trapped,” Modi said, arguing that both formations represent different faces of the same problem.
He further sharpened his criticism, describing one as “corrupt” and the other as “mega-corrupt”, and accusing both of communal politics. Positioning the BJP-led NDA as an alternative, he claimed that Kerala is signalling a desire for political change.
Elections and a Charged Atmosphere
The remarks come as Kerala heads into Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, with counting on May 4. The current 140-member Assembly’s tenure ends on May 23, and around 2.7 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots.
Modi’s speech suggests the BJP intends to leverage both national security concerns and local political discontent to expand its footprint in the state.
Conflict Escalation Adds Global Pressure
The backdrop to these developments is an intensifying conflict in the Middle East with significant global implications. Iran has named two US Navy officers as responsible for a missile strike on a school in Minab that reportedly killed 168 people, further heightening tensions.
At the same time, the conflict has inflicted heavy damage on US military assets, with losses and repair costs estimated between $1.4 billion and $2.9 billion in the first three weeks alone.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian government faces the dual challenge of protecting its citizens abroad while managing the political narrative at home, with both dimensions now closely intertwined.
