PM Modi Expresses Solidarity with UAE Amid Gulf Tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial conversation with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday, marking his first engagement with a Gulf leader following recent military escalations in the region. The discussion focused on the deteriorating security situation and its impact on the UAE.
Strong Condemnation and Condolences
In a public statement, Prime Minister Modi declared, "Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times." The Prime Minister notably refrained from explicitly naming Iran, which has launched numerous projectiles targeting UAE territories in retaliation for strikes by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Modi extended gratitude to the UAE President for ensuring the safety and well-being of the substantial Indian community residing in the Emirates. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of bilateral relations and mutual cooperation during crises.
India's Diplomatic Outreach and Security Assessment
Prior to the Prime Minister's call, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar proactively contacted his counterparts from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These discussions centered on sharing India's concerns regarding the rapidly worsening security environment in the Gulf and addressing the welfare of Indian nationals across the region.
Upon his return to Delhi, Prime Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the nation's highest decision-making body on matters of national security and defense. The committee conducted a comprehensive review of the volatile situation in West Asia, evaluating potential implications for India's strategic interests and the safety of its citizens abroad.
Safety Advisories and Evacuation Challenges
With airspace closures and unsafe road conditions prevailing across the Gulf, the Indian government has issued urgent advisories to its nationals in Iran and neighboring areas. Authorities have instructed them to exercise utmost caution and strictly adhere to local security protocols. The evacuation of approximately 10 million Indian expatriates spread throughout the Gulf presents an exceptionally complex logistical challenge, complicating immediate response efforts.
Indian officials are cautiously optimistic that aerial attacks may diminish in intensity over the coming days, despite an escalation on Sunday coinciding with the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that one Indian national sustained injuries during an Iranian strike but is currently out of danger and receiving appropriate medical care from hospital authorities.
International Reactions and India's Diplomatic Balancing Act
The Iranian Embassy in India has issued a statement urging "independent and freedom-seeking governments" worldwide to condemn the killing of Khamenei and oppose what it describes as "lawlessness and aggression." As of late evening, India had not formally expressed condolences regarding Khamenei's death, with only a limited number of countries, including Russia and China, offering condemnations or condolences.
India finds itself navigating a delicate diplomatic balancing act due to its strong relationships with both the US-Israel alliance and Iran. This nuanced position was evident in India's Saturday appeal for restraint and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states involved in the conflict. The government continues to monitor developments closely while prioritizing the protection of its citizens and maintaining regional stability.
