India condemns attacks on Gulf states, PM says working to protect Indians | India News
New Delhi: After condemning the UAE attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to condemn Iran’s military strikes in these countries as well, signaling Tehran’s deep disapproval of indiscriminate targeting of Gulf countries even though he did not name Iran. On Monday afternoon, the prime minister spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to stress the need for a swift cessation of hostilities. The situation in West Asia also came up during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with Modi later saying in his media remarks that India will continue to work with countries to protect all Indian citizens in the region. The prime minister, who also spoke to Jordan’s King Abdullah II to convey India’s concerns and express solidarity, discussed the well-being of the Indian community in all his conversations, as concerns about their safety were heightened by news of the first Indian casualty in an oil tanker attack off the coast of Oman.
India has always called for peace and tranquility: PM Modi “India’s thoughts on the many tensions going on in the world are clear. We have always called for peace and tranquility. And when two democracies stand together, the voice of peace gets stronger,” Modi said, after his meeting with Karney, adding that the situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for India. In his talks with Netanyahu, Modi conveyed India’s concern over recent developments and emphasized the safety of civilians as a priority. The Israeli Prime Minister was quoted by the news channel as saying that he thanked Modi for standing by Israel. “India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agree that the speedy restoration of regional peace and stability is crucial. I thank him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community at this difficult time,” Modi said, in a post on X, after his talks with the Saudi Crown Prince and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salbin. Modi condemned the attack in Bahrain and said that India stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult time. He thanked both the leaders for looking after the Indian community. Modi’s condemnation of the Iranian attack, after India’s initial response on Saturday which was limited to calling on all to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, reflected the fact that India’s strategic interests are more aligned with the GCC countries than with Iran. India has not yet condemned the attack on Iran or mourned the assassination of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For India, it is essential to work with the Gulf countries to ensure the well-being of its nearly 10-million-strong diaspora, a major source of remittances, and also to ensure its energy security. Connectivity, defence, maritime security and supply chain resilience are other areas where India is working closely with the Gulf countries. Modi himself has led outreach to the Gulf region that has deepened ties with the region over the past decade, surpassing its ties with others. The foreign minister also spoke to his counterparts from the six GCC countries after the war broke out on Saturday, expressing concern and highlighting India’s stake in regional stability and the welfare of the Indian community. But he did not condemn the attack.
