PM Modi speaks to Israel PM, Saudi Crown Prince, Bahrain King; condemns attacks
NEW DELHI, March 2: The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern and India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
As the situation deteriorates following new Iranian strikes in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, India is constantly monitoring the developments primarily in the context of the safety and security of around nine million Indians living in West Asia.
Since Sunday, Modi has held phone conversations with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and King of Bahrain Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa.
“The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said following his wide-ranging bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“We will continue to work with all countries to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens in the region,” he said.
The situation in West Asia figured in the Modi-Carney talks.
“The thrust of the discussions was how we are all concerned about the escalating situation in Iran, how dialogue and diplomacy should be the norm to resolve all underlying issues, and how there should not be any targeting of civilians who have nothing to do with this,” said Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs P Kumaran at a media briefing.
Following his phone conversation with the Saudi crown prince, Modi said, “India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
“We agreed that the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times,” Modi said on X.
In his conversation with Al Khalifa, Modi said India stands in solidarity with the people of Bahrain in this “difficult hour”.
“India condemned the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian community in Bahrain,” he added.
Iran has carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, after the US and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday.
The Iranian retaliation increased after Tehran announced early Sunday that the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the Israel-US strike.
CONGRESS MP STRANDED
Congress’ Jalna Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Kale is stranded in Dubai due to airspace closure caused by the Iran war, his brother Jagannath Kale said on Monday.
The MP had gone to Dubai with a few friends on Friday, a day before the joint US-Israel attack on Iran, his brother said.“He was to return via Abu Dhabi on March 3. But due to the cancellation of flights, he is stuck in Dubai. He is safe and there is nothing to worry,” Jagannath Kale told PTI.
“We have conveyed his details to the Indian Embassy there. He will return once flights resume or as per the directions of the government,” Jagannath Kale added.
CENTRE, STATE GOVTs SET UP HELPLINES
Amid escalating West Asia tensions, the Centre on Monday said it is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf region to ensure safe return of stranded Indian nationals as state governments across the country stepped up efforts to assist such residents.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met last evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf nations.
The CCS also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.
On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.
In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.
“Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said.Reassuring anxious families, the minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely. (PTI)
