India on Tuesday urged de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict in West Asia as Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to review bilateral relations and the situation in the region.
Modi’s phone conversation with the ruler of Kuwait was part of India’s outreach to key players in West Asia amid the crisis triggered by Israel and the US war against Iran. Besides being home to one million Indians, Kuwait is also a major energy supplier to India.
While exchanging views on the evolving security situation in West Asia, Modi expressed his “deep concern” over the escalating tensions and reiterated India’s “strong condemnation of the attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a statement issued by the Indian government.
Modi reiterated India’s call for “de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy in order to restore peace and stability as soon as possible.” He also thanked the Emir for his personal concern for the well-being and safety of the large Indian community in Kuwait.
The state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that the Emir of the country received a phone call from Modi, during which bilateral relations, developments in events on the regional and international arenas, and the current situation in West Asia were reviewed. The report said that the Prime Minister condemned the attacks that targeted Kuwaiti territory and airspace, including the attack on Kuwait International Airport, which led to the death of an Indian citizen and the injury of a number of others.
The report stated that Modi affirmed India’s solidarity with Kuwait and reiterated his support for the measures taken by the country to protect its sovereignty and security. The Emir expressed his condolences on the death of the Indian national and expressed his deep appreciation for India’s “supportive stance” towards Kuwait.
India has always been among Kuwait’s best trading partners. The total bilateral trade during the years 2024-2025 reached $10.22 billion. During this period, Kuwait accounted for 3.5% of India’s total energy supply and ranked as the sixth largest supplier of crude oil in India and the fifth largest exporter of liquefied gas.
