Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held telephonic conversations with Haitham bin Tarik and Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region.

The calls came a day after the Prime Minister spoke with Mohammed bin Salman, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Jordan’s leadership, as the conflict between Iran and the United States continues to widen across West Asia.

During the conversations, 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 voiced grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran and the broader Gulf region following the outbreak of hostilities.

The MEA said the safety and well-being of nearly one crore Indian nationals living in the Middle East remains a key priority for the government.

On Monday, Modi had conveyed to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 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 the crisis.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also reached out to the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, and spoke with the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed. He further held discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.

With reports indicating over 700 deaths in Iran and continued strikes across Gulf nations and Israel, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation in the region.