Twenty days have passed since the joint military attack by Israel and America on Iran. Amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, a global energy crisis has arisen. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route through which about 20 percent of the world’s energy imports and exports pass. Meanwhile, there is panic regarding LPG cylinders in many cities of India. In this background, the Government of India has now significantly increased its diplomatic activism.
The intensity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Middle East diplomacy is evident from the fact that, in a single day, he contacted top leaders of five different countries and spoke with them over telephone. Amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, PM Modi on Thursday spoke over phone to the top leaders of Qatar, France, Jordan, Oman and Malaysia. PM Modi expressed concern over the current situation in West Asia and strongly condemned the attacks targeting energy infrastructure.
In separate telephonic conversations with each of the five leaders, Prime Minister Modi stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to quickly restore peace, security and stability in the region. They also underlined the importance of maintaining safe and free movement through the Strait of Hormuz. PM Modi shared details of these conversations with various leaders through a post on his official handle on social media platform ‘X’.
In his post on ‘X’, PM Modi said he spoke to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and wished him and the people of Qatar a happy Eid. He reaffirmed that India strongly condemns attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure and stands in solidarity with Qatar. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the care and support being extended to the Indian community living in Qatar, and also expressed hope that peace and stability will soon be restored in the region.
He once again reiterated India’s support for safe and free movement of people through the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing Jordan’s King Abdullah II as his “brother”, PM Modi also wished him a happy Eid. Expressing concern over the situation in West Asia, he said attacks on energy infrastructure were condemnable. Such actions can further increase tension. Dialogue and diplomacy are essential for peace, security and stability in the region. Prime Minister Modi also reiterated that India and Jordan support free movement of goods and energy. He also appreciated Jordan’s efforts in helping the safe return of Indians stranded in the region. In a separate social media post, PM Modi shared details of his discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron about the situation in West Asia, and stressed the urgent need to de-escalate tensions.
In his post, he also mentioned that both the countries expressed their desire to continue cooperation to promote peace and stability. Emmanuel Macron said India and France are working together to reduce tensions and give priority to diplomacy to establish peace in the region. Prime Minister Modi also spoke on phone to the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq and extended Eid greetings to the people of Oman.
Sharing details of the conversation on social media, he said both countries agreed to give priority to dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and restore peace and stability. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his condemnation of any violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said India appreciates Oman’s efforts to ensure the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals.
He further said that India and Oman advocate safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. During his conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi greeted him on the festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. They discussed the worrying situation in West Asia and reiterated their shared commitment to restore peace and stability by reducing tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi has spoken to each of these leaders twice
The United States and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. Since the US attack on Iran, Prime Minister Modi has spoken to the Emir of Qatar, the King of Jordan and the Sultan of Oman, all twice. Meanwhile, this is PM Modi’s first conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Amid the Iran-related conflict, PM Modi, apart from the leaders of Iran and Israel, has also held discussions with leaders of several other countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain.
