NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant telephonic conversation with His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, on Wednesday, extending heartfelt greetings and best wishes for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. The interaction underscored the strong bilateral ties between India and Kuwait at a time of heightened regional volatility, blending festive goodwill with high-stakes diplomatic dialogue.
The leaders conducted an in-depth exchange of views on the rapidly deteriorating security landscape across West Asia, voicing mutual apprehension regarding the latest escalations that threaten stability across the Gulf and beyond. PM Modi firmly restated India’s unequivocal condemnation of any aggression that compromises Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflecting New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to the security of its key Gulf partners.
A central focus of the discussion was maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Modi emphasized that guaranteeing safe and unrestricted navigation remains India’s absolute top priority amid persistent threats from conflict spillover and disrupted shipping lanes. This critical chokepoint handles nearly 20% of global oil trade, making its security vital for India’s energy imports and economic interests.
Both leaders concurred that persistent diplomatic channels and multilateral engagement represent the only viable pathway toward de-escalation, conflict resolution, and enduring peace in the region. They highlighted the need for collective restraint, dialogue-driven solutions, and international cooperation to prevent further humanitarian fallout and economic disruptions.
In a personal note of appreciation, the Prime Minister thanked Kuwaiti authorities for their unwavering support in safeguarding the well-being and security of India’s approximately 1 million-strong expatriate workforce in the country. Indian workers form a backbone of Kuwait’s construction, services, and healthcare sectors, and bilateral assurances on their protection remain a cornerstone of the partnership.
This conversation gains added significance amid recent Iranian strikes on Gulf targets and Israeli operations in Lebanon, positioning India as an active stakeholder advocating calm amid the storm. The Modi-Crown Prince dialogue reaffirms India’s balanced diplomacy—maintaining strong ties with both Gulf monarchies and Israel—while prioritizing energy security, expatriate welfare, and regional stability.
