New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held separate telephone conversations with Mohammed bin Salman and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia following recent military confrontations.

During the discussions, Modi strongly condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and enquired about the safety and well-being of the large Indian community residing in the two countries, underscoring India’s priority to safeguard its diaspora amid the regional turmoil.

Continued diplomatic outreach

The calls form part of Modi’s ongoing diplomatic outreach since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensified.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating India’s call for an early cessation of hostilities and a return to peace.

He also held talks with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and expressing appreciation for ensuring the safety of the Indian community there.

CCS review meeting

The diplomatic engagements followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Modi, at his official residence on Sunday.

The CCS was briefed on the February 28 airstrikes in Iran and the subsequent escalation, including retaliatory attacks in several Gulf countries. The Committee expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region.

It also reviewed challenges faced by Indian travellers transiting through affected areas, students appearing for scheduled examinations, and the broader implications for regional security and economic activity.

The CCS directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist affected Indian nationals and emphasised the importance of an early cessation of hostilities through dialogue and diplomacy.

Escalating regional conflict

The deliberations came amid coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities on February 28, targeting military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites and key infrastructure.

US President Donald Trump described the strikes as necessary to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon.

Iran subsequently launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan, widening the conflict and heightening risks for civilians and expatriates.

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Modi had returned to Delhi shortly before the CCS meeting after a two-day visit to Puducherry and Madurai, where he attended National Democratic Alliance campaign events ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and inaugurated key infrastructure projects focused on highways and railways.