Accuses opposition of ‘panic politics’

Kashmir Impulse Desk

Tharad, March 31

As conflict in West Asia rattles global energy markets and fuels economic uncertainty, Prime Minister

Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India had navigated the turbulence effectively, crediting a

“strong foreign policy” and national unity for cushioning the impact.

Speaking at a public gathering in Nani village in Gujarat’s Tharad region, PM Modi contrasted India’s

response with what he described as a climate of unrest elsewhere, where rising fuel prices and

instability have strained governments.

“At a time when the world is grappling with war, unrest and rising fuel prices, India has managed the

situation effectively,” he said.

Global fuel prices have climbed sharply amid the conflict, with increases of up to 10 percent in some

markets. The PM said his government was working to shield Indian consumers from the full burden of those increases.

His remarks, however, quickly turned political.

PM Modi accused the opposition Congress party of attempting to exploit the crisis by spreading fear

and encouraging panic among citizens.

“Instead of supporting national unity, they are trying to incite people,” he said, adding that the party

was behaving like “political vultures” seeking to capitalise on the situation.

The PM also warned against what he described as efforts to create disorder, alleging that opposition

leaders were trying to provoke long queues at fuel stations and gas agencies to deepen public anxiety.

The Congress party has not immediately responded to the remarks.

Despite the global uncertainty, PM Modi expressed confidence in India’s resilience, saying the

country was capable of withstanding external shocks and would continue to strengthen its position.

He also reiterated his government’s long-term ambitions in renewable energy, asserting that India

would emerge as a global leader in the sector even as traditional energy markets face volatility.

“The circumstances in West Asia have affected every country,” the PM said. “But India has managed

the situation well.”