India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and supports the restoration of regional peace and stability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on Monday.
Modi’s phone talks with Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Hamad were part of India’s outreach to the leadership of key West Asian nations amid a major escalation in regional tensions following joint strikes by Israel and the US on Iran over the weekend.
India’s focus has been to ensure the well-being of over 10 million Indians living in West Asian countries, most of whom are concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“I discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Modi said on social media. “India condemns the recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Modi said that he and Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed that “restoring regional peace and stability at the earliest is of utmost importance.” He also thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for his concern for the well-being of the Indian community in “these difficult times.”
Modi said in a separate social media post that he had a fruitful phone conversation with Bahrain’s King Hamad.
He said, “India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the unwavering support he has provided to the Indian community in Bahrain.”
Modi also spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II and conveyed to him “India’s deep concern about the developing situation in the region” and thanked him for his interest in the Indian community in the country. He said: “We reaffirm our support for the peace, security and well-being of the Jordanian people.”
Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu early Monday morning and with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Sunday evening.
During these phone calls, Modi reiterated the need for an early cessation of hostilities, condemned the attacks on the UAE and expressed his condolences for the loss of lives.
The Iranian crisis also emerged in the meeting between Modi and his visiting Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, in New Delhi on Monday. P Kumaran, Secretary for East in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a press conference that the two leaders discussed the “hot issue” and that Modi conveyed India’s deep concern over developments in Iran and the Gulf region.
Kumaran quoted Modi as saying that he urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. He added that the Indian side also stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to calm tensions.
