NEW DELHI, MAR 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate phone calls on Tuesday with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He expressed deep concern over recent attacks on their nations amid the escalating West Asia conflict and discussed the welfare of Indian expatriates there.
The conversations followed a US-Israel offensive on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with drones and missiles targeting Israel, US bases in the Gulf, and hubs like Dubai and Doha.
An official noted: “PM Modi spoke to these key Gulf leaders Tuesday afternoon, focusing on the attacks and safety of Indians in their countries.”
Over two days, Modi has also connected with Bahrain’s King, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince—condemning violations of sovereignty—Jordan’s King Abdullah II, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Around 90 lakh Indians live across the Gulf and West Asia, including 10,000 in Iran and over 40,000 in Israel. Airspace closures have stranded hundreds at airports like Dubai and Doha due to disrupted flights.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), meeting Sunday, raised alarms over expatriate safety and directed aid measures. India has a strong track record of evacuations from conflict zones.
MEA confirms missions are in touch with citizens, with helplines active. US President Donald Trump stated bombings on Iran will persist as needed.
