Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a series of high-level telephonic conversations with leaders of key West Asian nations, including Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Mohammed bin Salman and Benjamin Netanyahu, as tensions escalated sharply in the region following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike and Tehran’s subsequent missile retaliation.
During his discussion with Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Modi underscored that the “earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance.” He strongly condemned attacks targeting Saudi territory and reiterated India’s solidarity with the Kingdom.
In a similar message to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, the Prime Minister denounced strikes on the Gulf nation and reviewed the safety and welfare of the Indian community residing there.
Modi also spoke with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, condemning the attacks and calling for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.
In his telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi conveyed India’s deep concern over the spiralling conflict and stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
“Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” Modi posted on social media platform X.
The outreach came hours after the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the fast-evolving military situation and assess contingency plans for Indian nationals in the region.
The crisis has seen missile exchanges extending beyond Israel and Iran, with strikes reported in parts of the Gulf, heightening fears of a wider regional conflagration. With nearly 10 million Indians living across West Asia and the Gulf, the developments carry significant security implications for New Delhi.
Earlier, speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi reiterated India’s consistent stand that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue. The CCS meeting was attended by senior ministers and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with discussions focusing on evacuation preparedness and maritime security following a drone attack on the tanker MV VYOM in the Gulf of Oman that claimed the life of an Indian mariner.