Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the rapidly escalating conflict in West Asia as a “matter of grave concern” for India and reiterated New Delhi’s firm commitment to safeguarding Indian nationals amid widening hostilities involving the United States, Iran and Israel.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi emphasised that India supports resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and will continue collaborating with countries in the region to protect Indians.
In separate telephonic conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi called for an early halt to hostilities, condemned recent attacks on the UAE and reiterated solidarity with allies, while highlighting civilian safety as a key priority. The Indian government has also activated emergency helplines and consular support, as diplomatic efforts intensify to assist expatriates and students caught in the conflict.
Modi convenes CCS, Launches Evacuation Helplines
In response to the intensifying crisis, PM Modi chaired a late‑night meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) the highest decision‑making body on national security to review the fast‑evolving situation and coordinate India’s response.
The meeting, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials, focused on the safety of Indians living and travelling in West Asia, including those stranded due to airspace closures and disruption of flight services.
Government sources said the CCS discussed contingency planning for evacuation, assistance for stranded citizens in Gulf hub airports such as Dubai and Doha, and the impact of disrupted shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz on India’s energy security and supply chains.
Indian embassies in the region have issued updated travel advisories urging Indians to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and maintain regular communication with missions, while releasing 24×7 emergency contact numbers for prompt assistance. The heightened focus on citizen safety reflects concerns over the welfare of nearly nine million Indians residing across the Gulf and Middle East, including millions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Diplomatic Outreach Intensifies as Regional Tensions Soar
Modi’s diplomatic engagement comes amid unprecedented tensions after a joint US‑Israeli military operation inside Iran that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and several family members, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.
In detailed exchanges on social media platform X, Modi said he discussed the urgent need for an early cessation of hostilities and the safety of civilians directly with Netanyahu, stressing that “the security of citizens is the utmost priority” during the crisis. In his conversation with the UAE President, Modi “strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE, condoled the loss of lives” and thanked him for looking after the Indian community residing there.
Political leaders across India have echoed the urgency of protecting expatriates. Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan reaffirmed that the central government and the Ministry of External Affairs are working to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians from conflict zones, declaring “not a single person will be left behind.”
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the Prime Minister urging swift measures to guarantee the safety and potential return of Kerala expatriates in the Gulf, offering state government support for helpline services and related aid. Opposition figures, including Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan, have also appealed to the centre to intervene and help de‑escalate the conflict and protect Indian citizens amid mounting fears among families back home.
Indian student groups, particularly those representing medical and university students in Iran, have expressed anxiety over travel restrictions and safety conditions, with petitions seeking urgent intervention and evacuation support for hundreds of young Indians remaining in conflict‑affected areas.
India’s Diplomacy and Humanitarian Responsibility
The current crisis arrives against the backdrop of India’s expanding diplomatic engagements in West Asia, including Modi’s recent visit to Israel, where he addressed the Israeli Parliament emphasising peace and partnership, and longstanding ties with Gulf partners on trade and energy cooperation.
India’s position has historically balanced strategic interests with a principled stand for peace: while condemning terrorism and advocating security cooperation with partners like Israel, it also consistently calls for restraint, respect for sovereignty, and civilian protection.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs had earlier urged all sides in the conflict to exercise restraint and prioritise civilian safety, underscoring the humanitarian stakes of escalating hostilities that could affect millions including India’s vast diaspora.
The humanitarian dimension is further magnified by disruptions such as closed airspace, which has left travellers and workers stranded, and by broader economic implications tied to regional instability affecting global oil markets and shipping routes crucial for India’s energy imports. Diplomats have been actively communicating with counterparts in Iran, Israel, the UAE, Qatar and other Gulf states, urging restraint, dialogue and cooperation to safeguard peace and stability.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The unfolding West Asia crisis starkly underscores the human cost of geopolitical rivalries and the immense responsibility of governments to protect civilians far beyond their borders. India’s proactive diplomacy, emphasis on dialogue, and concerted efforts to assist its citizens are welcome steps that resonate with our collective commitment to peace, empathy and coexistence. Yet, beyond state actions, this moment calls for a renewed global push for de‑escalation, humanitarian protection and peaceful resolution.
Read more: Trump Claims Iran Tried Twice to Kill Him; US-Israel Airstrikes Kill Supreme Leader Khamenei
