With tensions escalating across the Middle East, India on Tuesday said the safety and well-being of nearly one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf region remains its top priority, even as it renewed its call for restraint and an early end to the conflict.
In an official statement, India expressed “deep concern” over the worsening situation in Iran and the Gulf, noting that despite earlier appeals for calm on February 28, the crisis has “deteriorated significantly and continuously,” including during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the conflict has not only intensified but also spread to other countries in the region, leading to mounting casualties, widespread destruction, and disruption of normal life and economic activity. As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in regional stability, these developments have caused “great anxiety,” it added.
Highlighting India’s strong interests in the region, the statement noted that nearly one crore Indian nationals reside in the Gulf. “Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the government said.
It also warned that India’s trade and energy supply chains pass through the region, and any major disruption could have serious consequences for the Indian economy. New Delhi further strongly opposed the attacks on merchant shipping, noting that some Indian nationals have already been killed or are missing in recent incidents.
The government was referring to the death of an Indian mariner who was killed on Monday after an oil tanker was struck by an unmanned drone boat off the coast of Oman, triggering a fire and forcing the evacuation of all crew on board.
Against this backdrop, India strongly reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy, urging all sides to work towards an early end to hostilities. The government expressed grief over the loss of lives in the ongoing conflict.
Indian missions in the affected countries remain in close contact with the diaspora and community organisations, issuing regular advisories and extending assistance to those stranded, the statement said. Embassies and consulates will continue to proactively address consular needs arising from the crisis.
The government also said it is in touch with regional governments and key international partners, with both the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister having held discussions with their counterparts.
New Delhi affirmed it will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and take decisions in the national interest.
CONFLICT SPREADS ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST
The US and Israel launched a series of coordinated attacks against Iran on Saturday. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. In retaliation, Iran launched barrages of missiles at Israel, as well as targeted US bases and infrastructure in the region, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain.
Ships and oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz were also damaged as Israel and Iran traded attacks.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. In his telephonic conversations, PM Modi expressed concern over the Middle East crisis and also discussed with the two leaders the welfare and security of the Indian community residing there.
PM Modi also spoke to the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and condemned recent attacks on the two countries in violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting that India stands in solidarity with their people in this difficult hour. He has also spoken to King Abdullah II of Jordan and conveyed deep concern over the evolving situation in the region.
