New Delhi, March 2, 2026 — As the conflict in West Asia drastically intensifies following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s massive regional retaliation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated urgent diplomatic outreach. Over the past 24 hours, the Prime Minister has held direct telephone conversations with the heads of state of four heavily affected nations: Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
The primary focus of these discussions has been urging an immediate de-escalation of military hostilities and securing the safety of the nearly 9 million Indian nationals residing across the Gulf and West Asia.
Talks with Israel
Prime Minister Modi held a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. During the conversation, Modi conveyed New Delhi’s deep concerns regarding the rapidly deteriorating regional security situation. He emphasized that the safety of civilians must remain an absolute priority and reiterated India’s firm stance on the need for an “early cessation of hostilities.”
Outreach to Gulf Nations
Following Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone barrages across the Gulf region—which struck multiple US and allied bases—PM Modi reached out to key Arab leaders whose territories were targeted:
United Arab Emirates: PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He strongly condemned the Iranian retaliatory strikes on the UAE, which resulted in civilian casualties, and expressed India’s solidarity during the crisis. Modi also specifically thanked the UAE leadership for their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the vast Indian diaspora living in the Emirates.
Saudi Arabia: The Prime Minister spoke with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman, condemning the drone attacks that targeted Saudi infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura oil refinery. The two leaders discussed regional stability and the protection of the Indian community within the Kingdom.
Bahrain: PM Modi also held a telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. He conveyed his concerns following the strikes near the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama and discussed measures regarding the safety of Indian expatriates in the island nation.
India’s Official Stance and Internal Review
Parallel to his international calls, PM Modi chaired an urgent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in New Delhi to assess the geopolitical, economic, and domestic impact of the escalating war. The CCS directed all relevant departments to activate contingency plans for the Indian diaspora, should the security situation necessitate evacuations.
Addressing the media alongside visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday, PM Modi publicly summarized India’s diplomatic position. “The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us,” Modi stated. “India has always called for dialogue and diplomacy to find a solution to such disputes. We will keep working with countries in West Asia to ensure the safety of Indians there.”
Additionally, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held separate telephonic conversations with his counterparts across the region, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to urge maximum restraint and prioritize civilian safety.
