Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait amid escalating tensions in Middle East, expressing concern over recent attacks and reviewing the security of the Indian community in the two Gulf nations.PM Modi held a phone conversation with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. He also spoke with Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.During both discussions, the Prime Minister conveyed India’s concern at the attacks in the respective countries and discussed the welfare and security of Indians residing there.
Later, PM also spoke to Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He condemned the attacks on Qatar and thanked Qatari leadership for support and care of the Indian community in Qatar.In the last 48 hours, Prime Minister Modi has spoken to leaders of: UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, QatarThe outreach is part of India’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with Gulf partners following the recent escalation in the region, and as the conflict between the US and Iran has widened across the regionWith a large Indian diaspora living and working across the Gulf, New Delhi has been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with regional leadership to ensure their safety.The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement that India had expressed “deep concern” at the commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on February 28, 2026, urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians.“Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramadan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously,” the MEA said, noting that the conflict has intensified and spread to other nations, disrupting normal life and economic activity.India asserted that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf region, making their safety and well-being a priority. “We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the MEA said, adding that India’s trade and energy supply chains pass through the region and any major disruption would have serious economic consequences.India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on merchant shipping, stating that some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing in recent days due to such incidents.In this backdrop, New Delhi “strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy” and has called for an early end to the conflict. The government expressed grief over the lives lost.Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in close contact with nationals and community organisations, issuing advisories and extending assistance to those stranded. The MEA said the Prime Minister and external affairs minister have been in touch with counterparts in the region and that the government will continue to monitor the evolving situation and take decisions in the national interest.
