Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik and Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and expressed concern over attacks on their countries amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, news agency PTI reported.
Citing officials, the report said that in his telephone conversations with the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the welfare and security of the Indian diaspora living in these countries. The Prime Minister said: “The Prime Minister spoke to two prominent leaders from the Gulf region on Tuesday afternoon. He spoke on the phone with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and also had a conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.”
Wider conflict in West Asia?
The call comes as the West Asian region has been plunged into a deepening and renewed military confrontation after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting the country’s naval and military forces. In the strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among 47 leaders killed, prompting heavy retaliation from Tehran, which attacked Israeli and US military installations in the Persian Gulf region, as well as global trade and aviation hubs in Doha and Dubai.
PM Modi talks to Gulf leaders
PTI reported that in the last two days, PM Modi spoke to several leaders in the Gulf region. This included the King of Bahrain and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
During his talks, PM Modi condemned the recent attacks on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which violated their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Modi confirmed India’s support and said New Delhi stands in solidarity with its people at this difficult time.
He also spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan. and expressed deep concern over the evolving geopolitical situation in the region. In addition, he held talks with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Indians stranded in West Asia seek Centre’s help
According to an ANI report, many Indians are stranded in the Gulf region after the conflict threw the region into chaos, prompting airlines to temporarily cancel or suspend flights due to airspace closures. Some of the world’s biggest airlines, including Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, have also suspended or canceled services, leaving many tourists stranded in the region.
A group of tourists has appealed for urgent help from the central and state governments after becoming stranded in Bahrain amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Tourists welcomed Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including residents of Hyderabad Salmon Raj.
The group traveled to Bahrain on a tourist visa on February 24 and was due to return to Hyderabad after four days. However, their departure plans were disrupted after the sudden hostilities led to the closure of airports and the cancellation of flights.
Salmon Raj shared a video message urging the Center and state governments to evacuate immediately. “We are asking the Indian government and the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for help. We came here on a tourist visa and when we returned to the airport, bombs were falling and rockets were being fired. Check-in counters were closed and there was no proper response,” said Raj.
(with agency inputs)
