Kamal Ghorui
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he had “conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments” during a telephone call with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Middle East faces a sharp escalation following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.” His remarks came amid widening regional strikes and rising casualties after Ali Khamenei was killed in a coordinated US-Israeli airstrike on Tehran.The Prime Minister also spoke to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, strongly condemning attacks on the Gulf nation and expressing solidarity. “Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times,” Modi wrote. He added: “Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.”Iranian strikes across the UAE over the past two days have left three people dead and 58 injured, including an Indian national. The Indian Embassy said it was aware of the injury and was in touch with hospital authorities. The UAE’s defence ministry reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles — destroying 152, while 13 fell into the sea — along with two cruise missiles and 541 drones, most of which were shot down.The crisis intensified after US and Israeli forces struck targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities and missile sites. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US military installations in the Gulf. The violence has spread beyond the immediate conflict zone, triggering global concern over oil supplies, shipping routes and air travel disruption.
