In the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ today (March 29), PM Modi highlighted the growing instability in West Asia and the resultant global energy crisis. He recalled the COVID-19 pandemic and said that the world had hoped to move forward on the path of progress after the global crisis, but new conflicts emerged in various parts of the world. “All of us remember that the entire world faced myriad problems for a long time on account of COVID. Indeed, all of us had expected that after emerging from the Corona crisis, the world would move forward on the path of renewed progress. However, situations of war and conflict have kept arising in different parts of the world,” PM Modi said.
Amid the West Asia conflict, PM @narendramodi's appeal to 140 crore Indians.#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/wwp8gMV3qY
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 29, 2026
He expressed gratitude to the Gulf countries for assisting over 1 crore Indians who live there, in the middle of the crisis. PM Modi also underscored the effect of the West Asia conflict on global energy supplies. He highlighted that a significant amount of India’s energy is sourced from West Asia. “The region where the war is currently going on is a major centre of our energy needs. On account of that, a crisis is emerging around the world regarding petrol and diesel,” PM Modi stated, adding that India has been able to face the energy crisis with support from various countries.
140 करोड़ देशवासियों के सामर्थ्य से भारत मौजूदा युद्ध से पैदा हुए वैश्विक संकट का डटकर मुकाबला कर रहा है। मुझे पूरा विश्वास है कि एकजुट रहकर हम पहले की तरह ही इस कठिन चुनौती से पूरी तरह बाहर निकल आएंगे।#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/PU9ytcjy8f
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2026
Prime Minister Modi urged Indian citizens to stay united amid the challenging times and not to believe any rumours. “I would once again urge all my countrymen that we must unitedly overcome this challenge…those who are spreading rumours are causing major harm to the country. I would also appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant and not be misled by rumours. Trust only the continuous information provided by the government and take action based only on that. As always, I am confident that just as we have overcome past crises with the strength of our 140 crore countrymen, this time too, we will together emerge victorious from this difficult situation.
If you’re passionate about culture and manuscripts, the Gyan Bharatam Survey is something you must take part in.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2026
Highlighted efforts from Arunachal Pradesh, Leh, Punjab and Rajasthan in this direction. #MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/axEK57I6Zv
Prime Minister Modi also talked about the Gyan Bharatam Survey, an initiative aimed at documenting and preserving manuscripts from across the country. Emphasising public participation in the initiative, PM Modi said that individuals can take part in the Survey through the Gyan Bharatam App, by sharing an image of a manuscript or any related information on the app.
PM Modi referred to the MY Bharat initiative, which aims to connect the youth across the country with the budget process and policymaking through various activities. He said that about 12 lakh youth from across the country participated in the quiz organised under the initiative. After the quiz, around 160,000 participants were selected for the essay competition.
He expressed pleasure over India winning the T20 World Cup and congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for winning the Ranji Trophy after nearly seven decades.
