Modi urges peace in the Middle East amid escalating US, Israel and Iran strikes

Monday 02 - 19:38

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for restraint and a return to diplomacy as tensions intensified in the Middle East following airstrikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Speaking at a joint press conference in New Delhi alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Modi stressed that India supports peace, stability and the resolution of disputes “through dialogue and diplomacy.” He reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to safeguarding Indian nationals living and working across the Gulf region.

The appeal followed joint military strikes by Washington and Israel targeting sites in Iran, and subsequent retaliatory drone and missile attacks launched by Tehran against facilities linked to US interests in several Gulf countries. Regional security analysts warned that the cycle of retaliation risks drawing additional actors into a broader confrontation.

Iranian authorities reported significant casualties from the airstrikes, including the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been killed during bombardment in Tehran. The reports have further heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty across the region.

During his meeting with Carney, who is on a multi-day visit aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation, both leaders pledged to expand trade relations, setting an ambitious target of $50 billion in bilateral commerce. Despite the focus on economic ties, regional security dominated much of the discussion.

Modi also held consultations with Israeli leadership to discuss the evolving situation, emphasizing the protection of civilians and the urgent need for de-escalation. In addition, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security convened under his chairmanship to assess potential risks to the large Indian expatriate community in West Asia. Officials instructed relevant ministries to prepare contingency measures to assist nationals if required.

On Monday evening, Modi spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reiterating India’s condemnation of attacks that violate national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also expressed appreciation for the support extended to the Indian community in Bahrain.

India has longstanding strategic and economic ties with Gulf states, making stability in the region a key foreign policy priority. Observers note that New Delhi’s measured diplomatic tone reflects its broader approach of balancing relations with competing regional and global powers while advocating dialogue over confrontation.