PM Modi Steps Up Diplomacy Amid Middle East Crisis, Speaks to 8 World Leaders in 48 Hours

New Delhi: Seeing the worsening situation in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became active from Monday afternoon. He made a series of calls to top leaders of the Gulf countries. Talks were held with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah of Kuwait and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Apart from this, top leaders of UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain and Israel were also contacted. In total, within 48 hours there were direct talks with the leaders of eight countries.

What happened in these conversations?

PM Narendra Modi was the first to express deep concern to every leader over the recent attacks. He strongly condemned the drone and missile attacks on Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and said that such attacks are a threat to the peace of the entire region.

The most important issue of discussion was the safety of the Indians living there. About nine million Indians work in the Gulf countries, and they are engaged in energy, construction and service sectors. Modi asked every leader about the condition of the Indian community and took latest information regarding their security. Specially thanked the Amir of Qatar that Indians are being taken good care of there. At the same time, Modi reiterated in every conversation that India wants solutions to any problem through dialogue and diplomacy, there should be no tension.

Why is all this so important?

Ninety million Indians are in the Gulf—if the war spreads further, their jobs, lives and families could all be in danger. This is not just a matter of foreign policy but a concern of crores of households. It is clear from these calls of Modi that India is not sitting silently. The Foreign Ministry is also continuously saying that all parties are being asked to exercise restraint.

At present the situation is critical. Amidst the attack on Iran, retaliatory action and increasing deaths, the least hope from Modi's diplomacy is that no harm is caused to Indians living in the Gulf.