Modi Voices ‘Grave Concern’ Over West Asia War, Moves to Protect Indians as Conflict Widens Across Region

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia, warning that the evolving security situation following U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran has emerged as a major geopolitical and humanitarian challenge, even as India stepped up diplomatic outreach and domestic security monitoring amid fears of wider fallout.

PM NaMo chairs an emergency meet of Cabinet Committee On Security (CCS)

Speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after bilateral talks, Modi said the situation in West Asia was “a matter of grave concern,” underscoring India’s priority of safeguarding its citizens across the conflict-affected region. 

He said New Delhi would continue coordinating with regional governments to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians living and working across Gulf nations, where millions of Indian nationals reside.

The remarks come days after joint military operations by the United States and Israel struck multiple Iranian targets, including locations in Tehran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials — an event that has triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across Israel and parts of the Arab Gulf.

Modi reiterated that India supports resolving conflicts through “dialogue and diplomacy,” positioning New Delhi among countries urging de-escalation as military exchanges expand beyond Iran and Israel into a broader regional confrontation.

During recent diplomatic engagements, Modi also spoke with leaders in the Middle East, including Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, conveying India’s concerns over civilian safety and regional stability while expressing solidarity with countries affected by the attacks. India thanked UAE authorities for ensuring the welfare of the large Indian community there amid missile and drone strikes that disrupted daily life and aviation networks.

The joint India-Canada statement further highlighted terrorism and radicalisation as “shared and serious challenges,” linking global security concerns to the instability emerging from the widening war.

As the international crisis intensified, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to states warning that developments in West Asia could trigger domestic ripple effects. Authorities were asked to remain vigilant against attempts to exploit overseas events to provoke communal tensions or unrest during public gatherings.

The advisory called for enhanced intelligence coordination and monitoring of inflammatory messaging that could inflame sentiments, particularly amid emotional reactions to the killing of Iran’s longtime leader.

Precautionary steps were already visible in Jammu and Kashmir, where mobile internet speeds were reduced and security deployments increased following protests and mourning gatherings reported across Srinagar and several districts. Officials said the measures were aimed at maintaining law and order while preventing escalation.

The conflict has continued to widen since the initial strikes. U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted Iranian missile infrastructure, naval assets and military facilities, while Iranian retaliation has included missile and drone attacks aimed at Israel and U.S.-linked sites across the Gulf.

Major regional cities — including Dubai and Riyadh — have reported explosions or defensive interceptions, and airports across Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait have faced operational disruptions as airspace closures ripple through global aviation networks. 

Airlines have suspended services and rerouted flights, affecting international travel and supply chains. Iranian officials say hundreds have been killed since the strikes began, while governments across the region have activated air-defence systems and emergency security protocols.

For India, the crisis presents a dual challenge: protecting one of the world’s largest overseas populations while managing potential domestic repercussions from a rapidly polarising geopolitical conflict. Officials say New Delhi is closely tracking developments not only through diplomatic channels but also through security and evacuation preparedness mechanisms.