The US-Israeli war in Iran has entered its 18th day with no signs of abating yet. Amid the ongoing conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed developments in the region.
According to a PTI report, the two leaders had a telephonic conversation during which they agreed that ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closed the strait days after the US and Israel launched strikes against Tehran targeting its key military and naval forces. Hormuz, which is responsible for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, sparked panic among traders and rattled global energy markets when it sent oil prices to $120 a barrel last week before retreating.
Prime Minister Modi condemns the attacks on the UAE
This is the second time Prime Minister Modi has held discussions with his UAE counterpart since the war began in late February. Condemning all attacks on the Gulf country, PM Modi agreed with Al Nahyan to restore peace, security and stability in the region.
In an interview with X, Prime Minister Modi wrote: “He spoke to my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and conveyed Eid greetings in advance.” He added: “We discussed the current situation in West Asia. India has again strongly condemned all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in the loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.”
PM Modi talks to Gulf leaders
Apart from the UAE president, PM Modi has spoken to the leaders of several Gulf countries since the beginning of the conflict. These include Iran, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.
On March 3, days after Washington and Tel Aviv targeted Tehran and its military and naval forces, Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with the Sultan of Oman and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, during which he expressed concern over attacks in the region and those countries.
Apart from this, PM Modi also discussed the welfare of Indians stranded in the region or living in these countries with various leaders. With the wider military confrontation in the region, several Gulf countries have closed their airspace, throwing the aviation sector into chaos.
US-Iran War Rocks Aviation, Rocks Global Oil Markets
With the closure of airspace and constant attacks on major cities such as Dubai, countries in the Persian Gulf region have been forced to suspend flights and impose airspace restrictions. Thousands of flights were reportedly canceled just days after the war, with people from all over the world stranded in the region. According to a PTI report, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today that around 244,000 passengers have returned from the region, with Indian airlines continuing to operate despite the restrictions.
On the flip side, global energy markets have also been rattled, with traders fearing supply disruptions. Several companies in the region have also imposed force majeure, a legal term that prevents them from complying without paying a fine. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had to step in to calm panicked traders, announcing on March 11 that its member countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from their 1.2 billion emergency reserves.
