PM Modi Engages Gulf Leaders Amid US-Iran Conflict, Prioritises Safety of Indians Abroad
New Delhi, India — In the backdrop of a sharply deteriorating security situation in West Asia following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified diplomatic engagement with key Gulf leaders to underscore India’s deep concern over rising violence and the welfare of its citizens in the region. The outreach reflects New Delhi’s determination to protect its national interests and diaspora during a crisis that shows no signs of abating.
On Tuesday, Modi held separate telephonic discussions with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah of Kuwait, two nations with significant Indian populations. The conversations focused primarily on the intensifying conflict, recent attacks affecting the Gulf region, and measures to ensure the security and well-being of the sizeable Indian expatriate community residing in these countries.
Diplomacy Amid Escalation
The calls to Oman and Kuwait formed part of a broader diplomatic outreach by the Indian leadership over the past several days, which has included discussions with leaders from across the Middle East as the crisis has expanded. Mr. Modi has also spoken with leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan as hostilities have spread beyond Iran’s borders to affect multiple nations.
Officials described the conversations as candid and constructive, reflecting both India’s concern about the broader regional conflict and its focused interest in safeguarding Indians living and working abroad. In particular, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s priority to ensure that its nationals, many of whom are employed in essential sectors across the Gulf, remain safe and secure while normal life continues to be disrupted by worsening military actions.
Focus on Indian Citizens
A key part of the talks was dedicated to the Indian diaspora, which numbers close to one crore (10 million) across the Gulf region, forming one of the largest expatriate communities in the world. Millions of Indians contribute to the economies of these nations, with significant populations in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, working across sectors from healthcare to construction.
The large size of this community — and the rising anxiety among families back home who fear for their loved ones — has made their safety a major diplomatic priority for New Delhi during this crisis. Mr. Modi’s outreach comes amid reports of disrupted travel, suspended flights, and heightened security alerts in several Gulf states as the conflict spreads beyond Iran’s borders.
Airspace closures have complicated travel plans for many Indian workers and students, leaving some stranded or concerned about their ability to return home if conditions worsen further.
Wider Regional Context
The US-Iran confrontation began with a coordinated offensive by the United States and Israel against Iran, which reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating decades of tension. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes across the region, targeting allied military installations and key infrastructure hubs in multiple Gulf nations.
These developments have raised alarm among neighbouring countries and global powers alike, with fears of a wider war growing daily. The conflict has already had significant geopolitical repercussions across the Middle East and beyond.
Several nations have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the region, and Western governments have ordered non-essential diplomatic staff to leave. Commercial aviation has been disrupted, contributing to logistical and economic challenges that affect millions.
India’s Continued Calls for Restraint
Throughout this period, India has sought to balance its diplomatic stances while maintaining relationships across divides. While expressing serious concern over violence in the region and condemning attacks on sovereign states, New Delhi has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
This message has been reiterated in multiple statements by the Prime Minister and India’s Ministry of External Affairs, reflecting a consistent approach. In a recent joint statement with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mr. Modi described the situation in West Asia as “a matter of grave concern” and stressed the importance of protecting civilians and de-escalating tensions.
Government Preparedness and Future Steps
New Delhi has also activated its missions in the Gulf to offer support to Indian nationals, including helplines, advisories and coordination with local authorities to ensure rapid response. While large-scale evacuation operations have not yet been implemented, officials say that the government is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to facilitate repatriation if conditions worsen and logistics allow.
India’s proactive diplomacy in recent days — including multiple high-level calls with Gulf leaders — underscores the country’s focus on both the immediate safety of its citizens abroad and the broader goal of promoting peace and stability in a region critical to India’s energy security and global economic ties.
Also Read: Major Escalation: Drone Strikes Hit Amazon AWS Facilities in UAE and Bahrain
Conclusion
As the US-Iran conflict threatens to engulf the Gulf, PM Modi’s outreach to Oman and Kuwait demonstrates India’s commitment to its diaspora and regional stability. For 10 million Indians in the Gulf, New Delhi is watching and acting.
Modi calls Gulf leaders. 1 crore Indians’ safety top priority. Diplomacy intensifies as West Asia crisis deepens.
