Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held telephonic conversations with Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman, and Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
The outreach comes a day after PM Modi spoke with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan, as the conflict between Iran and the United States spreads across the region. The crisis has led to airspace closures and raised concerns over oil supplies and energy infrastructure.
Concern Over Gulf Security, Indian Diaspora
During the conversations, PM Modi expressed concern over attacks in Gulf countries and discussed the safety and security of the Indian community residing there.
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) voiced grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the Gulf region. The MEA stated that the safety and well-being of nearly one crore Indian nationals living across the Middle East remains a top priority for the government.
Talks with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Leaders
On Monday, PM Modi spoke with Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, reiterating India’s support for peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister said he and the Saudi Crown Prince agreed that the “earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance.” He also thanked the Saudi leadership for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community during what he described as “these difficult times.”
Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Outreach
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also intensified diplomatic engagement. On Monday, he spoke with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, as well as the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In addition, Jaishankar held discussions with Seyed Abbas Araghchi of Iran and Gideon Sa’ar of Israel.
India Calls for De-escalation
India has consistently urged restraint, de-escalation and dialogue as the situation unfolds. With significant strategic interests and a large diaspora presence in the region, New Delhi continues to balance diplomatic outreach while closely monitoring developments that could impact regional stability and global energy markets.
