PM Modi’s ‘Middle East Diplomacy’ Amidst the Iran Conflict: What Was Discussed with Leaders of 5 Nations?

New Delhi: Twenty days have passed since the joint military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Iran, a global energy crisis has emerged. Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz—a vital route through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s total energy imports and exports pass. In India, too, a sense of panic persists in several cities regarding the availability of LPG cylinders. Against this backdrop, the Indian government has now significantly stepped up its diplomatic engagement.

The intensity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Middle East Diplomacy” is underscored by the fact that, in a single day, he reached out to and held telephonic conversations with the top leaders of five different nations. Amidst the conflict involving Iran, PM Modi spoke on Thursday with the top leaders of Qatar, France, Jordan, Oman, and Malaysia. PM Modi expressed his concern over the prevailing situation in West Asia and strongly condemned the attacks targeting energy infrastructure.

In separate telephonic conversations with each of the five leaders, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the imperative need for dialogue and diplomacy to swiftly restore peace, security, and stability in the region. He also underscored the importance of maintaining safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. PM Modi shared details regarding these conversations with the various leaders through posts on his official handle on the social media platform ‘X’.

Posting on ‘X’, PM Modi stated that he had spoken with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He extended his Eid greetings to the Emir and the people of Qatar. He affirmed that India strongly condemns the attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure and stands in solidarity with Qatar. PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the care and support extended to the Indian expatriate community residing in Qatar, and conveyed his hope that peace and stability would soon be restored in the region.

He further reiterated that India supports safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to King Abdullah II of Jordan as his brother, PM Modi extended his Eid greetings to him. Expressing concern over the situation in West Asia, he stated that attacks on energy infrastructure are condemnable, noting that such acts could further escalate tensions. He emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Modi also affirmed that India and Jordan support the free movement of goods and energy. He further commended Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in the region. In a separate social media post, PM Modi shared details of a discussion held with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the situation in West Asia, underscoring the urgent need to de-escalate tensions.

In his post, he also noted that both nations expressed their desire to continue cooperating to promote peace and stability. President Emmanuel Macron stated that India and France are working together to prioritize diplomacy as a means to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region. Prime Minister Modi also spoke over the phone with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and extended his Eid greetings to the people of Oman.

Sharing details of this conversation on social media, he stated that both nations agreed to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and restore peace and stability. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his condemnation of any violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding that India appreciates Oman’s efforts to ensure the safe return of thousands of individuals, including Indian citizens.

He further stated that both India and Oman advocate for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. During a conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival. They discussed the concerning situation in West Asia and reiterated their shared commitment to restoring peace and stability by de-escalating tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.