Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified India's diplomatic outreach amid the escalating military conflict in the Middle East. According to official statements, the Prime Minister held separate telephonic conversations with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. These discussions come at a critical juncture as the confrontation involving Israel, the United States, and Iran continues to impact regional stability. The Prime Minister expressed concern over the attacks and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation.
Strategic Dialogue with Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
During the conversations, Prime Minister Modi and the Gulf leaders reviewed the rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia. According to officials, the Prime Minister condemned the recent attacks in the region and reiterated India's support for a swift return to peace and stability, while the dialogue also touched upon the strategic partnership between India and these Gulf nations, focusing on maintaining regional security and ensuring that the conflict doesn't disrupt global supply chains and energy markets.
Focus on the Safety of the Indian Diaspora
A significant portion of the discussions was dedicated to the safety and well-being of the Indian community residing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his gratitude to both leaders for their continued support and care for the Indian expatriates. With millions of Indian nationals working and living in the Gulf region, their security remains a top priority for the Indian government. The leaders assured the Prime Minister of their cooperation in ensuring the welfare of the Indian community during these turbulent times.
Coordination with Israel and the United Arab Emirates
The calls to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia follow the Prime Minister's recent interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In his talk with Netanyahu, PM Modi called for an early cessation of hostilities and a return to the path of dialogue, while similarly, in his conversation with the UAE President, he strongly condemned the attacks on the Emirates and expressed solidarity, while also thanking the UAE leadership for looking after the Indian community there.
High-Level Review by the Cabinet Committee on Security
In response to the grave situation in the Middle East, Prime Minister Modi chaired a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in New Delhi. The meeting, which lasted approximately 3 hours at the Prime Minister's residence, was attended by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The committee analyzed the strategic, economic, and security implications of the Iran-Israel conflict on India, including potential impacts on trade and the safety of Indian maritime interests.
India’s Diplomatic Position on the West Asian Conflict
India has consistently maintained a neutral and factual stance, advocating for restraint and diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant touch with all major stakeholders in the region. The Prime Minister’s proactive diplomacy reflects India's commitment to regional peace and its role as a responsible global actor seeking to prevent further escalation of the humanitarian and security crisis in West Asia.