• Source:JND

Posts on "India Lockdown Again" and "Lockdown 2026" have been circulating on social media for a few days, with people worrying about the coming back of COVID-19 lockdown days. Are the claims reliable enough to believe and speculate things?. The truth is here.

The social media panic was created after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for "COVID-like preparedness" while addressing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in recent days. The PM mentioned the time to address the economic fallout of the growing tensions in West Asia.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of national resilience in light of the disruption of global supply chains and the shipping difficulties in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. It is anticipated that these challenging circumstances would have long-lasting impacts. As a result, we must remain prepared and together. During the COVID pandemic, we also stood together and dealt with similar situations. We also need to remain prepared this time, the PM said in Parliament.

The mere suggestion of "COVID-like" situations and being prepared instantly brought up memories of the announcement made on March 24, 2020, for many residents. This led to a misguided but widespread dread of a lockdown in 2026.

Is The Lockdown Happening?

No. The Indian government has made no formal announcement or plans to implement a lockdown. The current predicament is geopolitical and economic in contrast to the 2020 crisis, which was a public health catastrophe necessitating social isolation.

ALSO READ: 'As Son, I Was Quite Worried': Rahul Visits Sir Ganga Ram Hospital To Meet Ailing Sonia Gandhi, Skips Poll-Bound Kerala Visit | Health Update

The preparation the prime minister mentioned focused on guaranteeing a consistent supply of gasoline, diesel, and LPG in West Asia; encouraging people to utilize resources responsibly; and shielding farmers and vulnerable groups from increases in fuel and fertilizer prices worldwide.

March 24 Marked The 6th Anniversary Of The 2020 Lockdown

People were triggered by the COVID-19 remarks was because the trend coincides with the sixth anniversary of the original 2020 lockdown (March 24).

This anniversary effect, combined with the Prime Minister's stern warning about the "long-lasting" impact of the Iran-Israel-US tensions, created a perfect storm for misinformation to spread.

ALSO READ: India Averting Hormuz Crisis With Iranian LPG Purchase? Report Suggests First Shipment In Six Years On Move

The government has clarified that India has already diversified its crude oil and LNG imports, expanding from 27 countries to 41 countries, to mitigate risks.

While the PM urged states to stay vigilant against hoarding and black marketing, the focus remains on keeping the economy running, rather than shutting it down.

Also In News