New Delhi: India is in touch with countries in the Gulf to ensure safety of its citizens there, while calling for de-escalation of the ongoing crisis.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke with his counterparts amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, stressing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis, as reported by ANI.
India is concerned about the escalating situation and highlighted the country’s strong interest in regional peace and the safety of the Indian community living in the region, he said.
“Just spoke to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, FM of Saudi Arabia. Exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf. Underlined India’s stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of Indian community,” Jaishankar posted on X.
He also spoke with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who briefed him on the latest situation in the country.
“Spoke with Kuwait FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He briefed on the latest situation in Kuwait. Underlined India’s concern at the escalation. Value his reassurance for the welfare of the Indian community,” the EAM said in another post.
The Indian leader spoke with top leaders from Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE about rising tensions in the Gulf. He was assured by Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Qatar’s PM and FM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and UAE’s DPM and FM Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that the Indian community’s safety and welfare would be protected, Jaishankar said.
“Exchanged views with FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain on the turn of events in the region. The escalating developments are clearly a matter of concern. Was assured that his Government would take all measures to keep the Indian community safe,” he posted.
“Called Qatar PM & FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani this evening. Was apprised of the situation in Qatar. Value his assurance on the well-being of the Indian community,” he added.
Even as explosions rocked Dubai, resulting in mass evacuation and a shut-down of the airport, Jaishankar spoke to leaders in the UAE.
“Discussed the evolving situation in the Gulf with UAE DPM & FM Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan this evening. India is concerned with the escalating situation. Appreciate his commitment to the welfare of the Indian community,” he said.
The situation has now changed with the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Death being confirmed. According to senior officials, the Government of India is keeping close watch on the situation.
