PTI
Noida/New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged citizens to work with dedication and unity to tackle global challenges and achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’, while cautioning political parties against making statements that could harm national interests amid the West Asia conflict.
The Prime Minister on Saturday inaugurated the Noida international airport and in his address said it was essential for India’s 1.4 billion people to work hard and face global crises collectively, while stressing that the government prioritises securing India’s interests and safeguarding “families and farmers”.
Referring to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, he said he had discussed the situation in detail in Parliament and also held extensive and “very positive” deliberations with the chief ministers.
“I once again appeal to the people of the country that we must face this crisis calmly, with patience and unity. This is a global crisis, but we must prioritise India’s interests. That is our greatest strength,”
he said.
Modi said that India is confronting the challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia with full strength.
Highlighting that India depends on crude oil and gas from conflict-affected regions, Modi said the government is taking necessary steps to ensure the burden does not fall on families and farmers.
Modi also inaugurated on Saturday the cargo terminal at the airport and laid the foundation stone for a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility to be developed over 40 acres.
Modi on Saturday spoke to Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussed with him the ongoing conflict in West Asia and agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation.
In his telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister also reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.
“Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” he said in a post on X.
Modi said both leaders agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure.
“Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
This was the second telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia since the West Asia conflict started on February 28.
While the US and Israel attacked Iran, the Persian nation targeted its neighbours and Israel.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which the world’s 20 per cent of energy is transported. Since the conflict, very few ships are allowed by Iran to cross it.
Modi has also spoken to several world leaders since the conflict started and they include those from the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iran, France, Israel and Malaysia.
US President Donald Trump has also spoken to Modi following which the Prime Minister said he “had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia”.
