Indian PM Modi Voices Solidarity with UAE After Iran Strikes, Calls for De-Escalation Amid Expanding Gulf Crisis

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday, condemning attacks targeting the UAE and expressing condolences over the loss of lives as escalating regional conflict spreads across the Gulf following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory campaign.

File Photo Via PM NaMo

In a statement posted on social media, Modi said India stands in solidarity with the UAE during what he described as difficult circumstances, reaffirming support for regional peace, stability and de-escalation amid rising military tensions affecting multiple Gulf states. The conversation came as the United Arab Emirates faced missile and drone threats linked to the widening confrontation between Iran and its adversaries, with several incidents reported across key commercial and aviation hubs.

Modi also thanked the Emirati leadership for ensuring the safety and welfare of the large Indian community living in the UAE, one of the biggest expatriate populations in the country and a critical pillar of India-UAE economic and social ties. Millions of Indian nationals reside and work across the Emirates, making regional instability a significant concern for New Delhi’s diplomatic and security calculations.

The United Arab Emirates was drawn directly into the expanding regional conflict after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted multiple locations across the country following the joint United States–Israel strikes on Iran. 

تحدثتُ مع رئيس دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، أخي الشيخ محمد بن زايد. أدنتُ بشدة الهجمات على الإمارات، وقدمتُ تعازيَّ الحارة في الخسائر البشرية الناجمة عنها. الهند تقف متضامنةً مع الإمارات في هذه الظروف الصعبة.

شكرته على رعايته للجالية الهندية المقيمة في الإمارات. ندعم خفض…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026

Authorities earlier confirmed explosions were heard in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as air-defence systems intercepted incoming aerial threats. Dubai officials said debris from intercepted drones fell in residential areas, injuring civilians who received medical treatment, while emergency alerts urged residents to seek immediate shelter and remain indoors as a precaution against further strikes.

Critical infrastructure and symbolic commercial sites were also affected. Dubai International Airport sustained minor damage to a concourse, with several staff members injured, while an incident at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries linked to falling debris from an interception. 

Fires were reported at facilities near Jebel Ali Port, and damage was confirmed at prominent locations including hotels in Palm Jumeirah and along Dubai’s coastline as regional airspace closures forced major airlines to suspend operations. 

UAE authorities described the attacks as violations of national sovereignty and said air-defence systems successfully neutralised most incoming missiles and drones while emergency services contained resulting fires and disruptions.

The call underscored India’s balancing approach as violence expands across West Asia, where governments have increasingly urged restraint while attempting to prevent the conflict from destabilising energy markets, trade routes and expatriate populations. 

India has maintained close strategic partnerships with Gulf nations while simultaneously advocating dialogue and diplomatic resolution to avoid a broader regional war.

The exchange between the two leaders comes amid growing international calls for de-escalation as missile interceptions, airspace disruptions and security alerts continue across the Middle East, raising fears that the conflict could spill further into civilian and economic infrastructure central to global commerce.