New Delhi, March 24 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Rajya Sabha amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, urging citizens to remain prepared for any challenge.

The remarks came a day after he spoke in the Lok Sabha on the same issue. Addressing the Upper House, Modi warned that there is a "strong possibility" the adverse effects of the conflict could persist for a long time.

Outlining the government's response, the Prime Minister said the war has now continued for over three weeks and has triggered a serious energy crisis, unsettling global oil markets.

The situation worsened after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route. Several ships are now stranded ...