Modi Speaks to Sheikh Mohamed Amid Escalation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned the missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates. He expressed India’s solidarity with the Gulf nation. During a phone call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi conveyed condolences for the loss of lives. He also stressed the urgent need for calm. The call came as Iran intensified strikes across West Asia. The escalation followed joint US-Israel military action that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders. Modi said India supports de-escalation, regional peace and stability.
Support for Indian Community in UAE
Modi thanked Sheikh Mohamed for ensuring the safety of Indians living in the UAE. Nearly four million Indians reside in the Emirates. Their remittances contribute billions of dollars annually to India’s economy. The UAE is also a key energy supplier. In addition, it remains one of India’s top trade partners, with bilateral trade crossing $100 billion each year. UAE authorities confirmed that one Indian national was injured in the recent strikes. Three foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan lost their lives.
India Expands Diplomatic Outreach
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Oman’s foreign minister to review the situation. Oman had earlier attempted to mediate between Iran and the United States. India has maintained a balanced position during the crisis. The government has avoided direct comments on Khamenei’s killing. However, the Ministry of External Affairs urged all sides to exercise restraint. It called for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation. Officials also emphasised respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Advisories Issued Across West Asia
India has increased monitoring efforts across the region. More than 10 million Indians live in West Asian countries. Around 10,000 Indians reside in Iran. Over 40,000 Indians live in Israel, including caregivers and construction workers. Indian missions in Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have issued advisories. They urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel. As tensions persist, India continues diplomatic engagement while prioritising the safety of its nationals.
