Modi speaks to Saudi crown prince and Bahrain king, condemns Iran attacks
During the telephonic conversations with the two leaders, Modi also discussed the well-being of the Indian community in the two countries.
As the war between Iran, Israel and the United States expanded sharply today (2 March), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohd Bin Salman Al Saud and Bahrain King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa and condemned attacks on these two countries amidst retaliation by Tehran.
During the telephonic conversations with the two leaders, Modi also discussed the well-being of the Indian community in the two countries.
"Had a productive telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian community in Bahrain," Modi said in a Facebook post.
In a separate post, Modi said he discussed the evolving situation in West Asia with Salman and that "India condemns the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"We agreed that earliest restoration of regional peace and stability is of utmost importance. I thanked him for looking after the well-being of the Indian community in these difficult times," the Indian prime minister added.
The Indian prime minister's phone calls with Mohd Bin Salman and Isa Al Khalifa came after he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today.
Meanwhile, India's federal minister Pralhad Joshi said the government was fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Persian Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.
In a statement, Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned Indian embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.
"Whenever Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the central government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority," Joshi said.
Reassuring anxious families of the stranded Indians, the minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely.
He noted that air travel in war-affected regions is currently risky and expert advice is being sought before taking further steps.
Joshi said efforts are also underway to assist those stranded in Dubai where flight operations have been affected.
