On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates. This dialogue marked Modi’s first interaction with a Gulf leader since military operations initiated by the US and Israel against Iran. During the conversation, Modi expressed solidarity with the UAE, acknowledging the loss of lives and appreciating the UAE’s efforts to support the Indian community within its borders.

While referring to the ongoing hostilities, Modi refrained from naming Iran, which has allegedly launched numerous projectiles at the UAE in response to the US-Israel military actions that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The situation has escalated, with reports of casualties; notably, at least eight individuals were reported killed in Israel due to an Iranian missile attack.

Diplomatic Communication and Security Measures

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has reached out to his counterparts across all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

The discussions focused on disseminating India’s concerns regarding the rapidly declining security landscape and ensuring the well-being of the Indian diaspora in the region. In tandem, Modi convened a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on the same day, which is the premier body responsible for national security and defense considerations.

Evacuation Challenges and Safety Protocols

The government has issued advisories urging Indian nationals in Iran and other affected areas to exercise heightened caution and adhere to local security directives due to the closure of airspace and the deemed unsafety of road travel. The evacuation of approximately 10 million Indians residing in the Gulf is anticipated to be a complex operation, contingent on the resolution of the ongoing aerial attacks.

The Indian embassy in the UAE reported that an Indian citizen sustained injuries from an Iranian strike but is currently stable and receiving necessary medical attention. Meanwhile, the Iranian embassy in India has urged “independent and freedom-seeking governments” worldwide to condemn the actions leading to Khamenei’s death and to avoid remaining silent in the face of perceived aggression.

India’s Stance on the Conflict

As of late Sunday, India had not yet issued condolences regarding Khamenei’s death, while nations like Russia and China had condemned the incident or expressed their sympathies. India finds itself in a sensitive position due to its strong relationships with both the US-Israel coalition and Iran, as evidenced by its call for restraint and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.

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