Modi Condemns Attacks, Seeks De-Escalation and Regional Stability in Talks With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expanded India’s diplomatic engagement with Gulf leaders as the West Asia conflict deepened, holding separate telephone conversations with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, condemning attacks on both countries and reiterating India’s push for rapid de-escalation amid a widening regional war triggered by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.
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| File Photo Via PM NaMo |
The latest outreach forms part of an accelerating diplomatic effort by New Delhi as the conflict spreads beyond Israel and Iran into Gulf states hosting critical civilian infrastructure and large expatriate populations. Modi has now spoken within days to multiple regional leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing civilian protection, regional stability and the safety of millions of Indian nationals living across West Asia.
Earlier Monday, speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi described the situation in West Asia as “a matter of grave concern,” underscoring India’s preference for dialogue and diplomacy even as military exchanges intensify.
India’s diplomatic messaging comes against the backdrop of sustained missile and drone attacks across the region following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes, an event that reshaped the regional security landscape and triggered retaliatory operations targeting Israel and several Gulf countries.
Discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that earliest restoration of regional…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2026
Explosions, air-defence interceptions and security alerts have been reported across cities including Dubai, Riyadh and Manama, while airports in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait faced disruptions that rippled through global aviation networks.
Governments across the Middle East have activated emergency protocols, and international airlines have suspended or rerouted thousands of flights as airspace closures spread.
New Delhi has simultaneously moved to manage potential domestic repercussions of the conflict. India’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued advisories to states warning that developments in West Asia could generate internal tensions if overseas events are exploited during public gatherings, prompting enhanced monitoring and preventive security measures.
Precautionary steps, including tightened security deployments and temporary communication restrictions, were implemented in parts of Jammu and Kashmir following protests linked to developments in Iran.
For India, the crisis represents a complex balancing act between strategic partnerships spanning Israel and Gulf monarchies while protecting one of the world’s largest overseas diasporas and safeguarding energy and trade interests tied to the region.
Had a productive telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2026
Officials say India is closely tracking evacuation preparedness, aviation disruptions and economic risks as the confrontation evolves into a broader geopolitical crisis affecting global supply chains, oil markets and international travel corridors.
With retaliatory strikes continuing and regional alliances hardening, diplomatic engagement — including Modi’s successive calls with Middle Eastern leaders — reflects growing concern that without rapid de-escalation, the conflict could shift from a contained confrontation into a prolonged, multi-front regional war with worldwide consequences.