NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured that the government would extend all possible assistance to Indian citizens stranded in the Gulf region amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.Addressing a rally in Kochi in Kerala, PM Modi said the Centre was closely monitoring the evolving situation and was taking steps to support Indians in the region.“India of today does not leave its citizens stranded elsewhere. We are working to ensure that every possible help is provided to Indians in West Asia,” the prime minister said.PM Modi also attacked the Indian National Congress, accusing the opposition party of making irresponsible remarks during the crisis.“Congress is inciting and being irresponsible in war,” he said in Kochi.The prime minister also used the occasion to push for self-reliance, saying the tensions in the Middle East and the resulting energy disruptions underline the importance of India becoming self-sufficient.“The Middle East crisis and the resulting energy shortage show how important it is for a nation to be atmanirbhar,” PM Modi said.






