India, March 28 -- Amid speculation regarding lockdown rumours in India due to the West Asia crisis, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed the claims, stating that there is "no proposal under consideration by the Government of India". The rumours also surfaced around the anniversary of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, adding to public concern. Puri said the attempts to spread rumours and create panic in such a situation were "irresponsible and harmful".

"Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India. In such times, it is important that we remain calm, responsible, and united. Attempts to spread rumours...