New Delhi, March 28, IPU Media Update News: The international developments arising from the conflict involving Iran vs Israel, and the US are causing anxiety within India. Particularly at a time when the public is facing difficulties driven by fears of potential oil and gas shortages speculation is intensifying that another nationwide lockdown might be imposed. Addressing these lockdown rumors, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provided a crucial clarification on the floor of Parliament.

** Lockdown Rumors Are Baseless **

Nirmala Sitharaman strongly refuted reports suggesting that there is a possibility of a lockdown being imposed in India. She categorically stated that all such reports are “baseless rumors.” She clarified that, even if the conflict involving Iran vs Israel and the US presents economic challenges, the government has no intention of bringing the country to a standstill in the manner witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She urged politicians and social media platforms to refrain from fueling unnecessary panic among the public.

** Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Warning – Public Anxiety **

Earlier, while addressing both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the nation to remain prepared to face the difficulties that may arise from the conflict involving Iran vs Israel, and the US. He indicated that a rise in oil prices and disruptions to supply chains are likely inevitable. However, fears began to emerge among the general public after some individuals misinterpreted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks and began spreading rumors suggesting that a lockdown was imminent.

Speaking during the discussion on the Finance Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, Union Finance Minister Sitharaman stated that baseless rumors were circulating, noting that people were making arbitrary claims solely to instill fear in the minds of the public. She remarked, “Where is a lockdown taking place? It is happening in Pakistan, not in India.” Drawing a comparison with the situation in neighboring countries, she asserted that India continues to carefully manage its resources and attend to the needs of its citizens. She clarified that while citing the situation in Bangladesh, she did not intend to imply that they were in distress or suffering, but was merely referencing it for the sake of a factual comparison.

—- M Venkata T Reddy