By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Centre is working round the clock to ensure that the ongoing Middle East conflict does not harm India’s interests or endanger Indian citizens living in the region. Addressing an NDA election rally in Kerala’s Palakkad, Modi stressed that protecting Indians abroad remains the government’s highest priority, especially at a time when tensions in West Asia have created uncertainty for millions of expatriates.
With a large number of Indians, including many from Kerala, working in Gulf countries and conflict-affected regions, the Prime Minister said the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with international partners. He noted that India is maintaining constant communication with leaders of countries involved in or affected by the crisis to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals. According to him, Indian embassies and missions in the region are functioning continuously to provide assistance, guidance, and emergency support to citizens if required.
Modi highlighted that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations, making the situation particularly sensitive for India. He said the government is taking every possible step to minimise the impact of the conflict on citizens, trade, and energy supplies. Diplomatic engagement, he added, remains key to ensuring that Indians in the region continue to receive protection and support during the ongoing tensions.
The Prime Minister also used the platform to criticise the Indian National Congress, accusing it of making irresponsible statements on a sensitive international issue for political gain. He alleged that such remarks could create complications for Indians living abroad and weaken India’s diplomatic position at a critical time. According to Modi, national unity and careful communication are essential during global crises, and political parties should avoid statements that could risk the safety of citizens.
Turning his focus to Kerala’s political landscape, Modi launched a strong attack on both the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, accusing them of decades of corruption and poor governance. He claimed that the BJP-led NDA is emerging as a credible alternative in the state and said voters are looking for change after years of what he described as ineffective leadership by traditional political alliances.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, where political tensions are already high and national security and global developments have become key talking points in campaign speeches. As campaigning intensifies, the BJP is attempting to position itself as a party focused on national security, diaspora protection, and strong international diplomacy, while also seeking to expand its footprint in the southern state.
With the Middle East crisis continuing to unfold, the government’s diplomatic efforts and political messaging are likely to remain central to the election narrative in Kerala in the coming weeks.
