PM Modi Holds Separate Calls With Three Middle East Leaders, Emphasises Urgent Need For De-Escalation As Conflict Widens

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (2 March) spoke to the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, condemning recent attacks on the two countries in violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also held separate conversations with King Abdullah II of Jordan, conveying deep concern at the evolving situation in West Asia.

During telephonic conversations with Bahrain King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman, Modi emphasised that the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance.

The Prime Minister thanked both leaders for looking after the well-being of the Indian community living in their countries during these difficult times.

The diplomatic outreach comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes across Iran on 28 February, which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Iran subsequently retaliated by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

In his conversation with Jordan's King Abdullah II, Modi reaffirmed India's support for peace, security and the well-being of the Jordanian people whilst thanking the monarch for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan.

The calls form part of Modi's ongoing diplomatic engagement since the conflict erupted, following similar conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday.

At least nine million Indian nationals live in the region, with the largest populations in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The Prime Minister enquired about the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora during each conversation, reflecting India's priority to safeguard its citizens amid the regional turmoil. Modi also chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on 1 March to review the situation.

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