PM Modi spoke to Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing an early end to tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the highest decision-making body on the country's security and strategic affairs, on Sunday night. According to sources, the meeting discussed the situation arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The return of Indians from abroad and ways to deal with the situation if it worsens were also discussed.

The meeting was called to review the situation arising following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan late Sunday night and conveyed India's solidarity with the UAE during this difficult time.

PM Modi spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu

Modi also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone and stressed the need for an early resolution of the tensions. The conversation between PM Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed was reported via the internet. In it, PM Modi stated that he had spoken to the UAE President and his brother, Sheikh Mohammed, and that he strongly condemned the attack on the UAE.

He also expressed his condolences to the victims of the attack. India stands with the UAE in this difficult time. He thanked them for their care of Indians living in the UAE. We support de-escalation of tensions and regional peace, security, and stability.

In another post, Modi wrote, "I spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the telephone to discuss the regional situation. I conveyed India's concerns regarding recent developments and stressed the safety of citizens as a top priority."

PM Modi chairs CCS meeting

According to PTI, officials said the CCS meeting took place shortly after Modi arrived in Delhi at around 9:30 pm on Sunday. The Prime Minister arrived in the national capital after concluding a two-day visit to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.

Committee members, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, were present at the meeting. Top officials briefed the meeting on the current situation in West Asia and its impact on India.

It is noteworthy that hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai and other major airports due to air traffic disruptions caused by escalating tensions in West Asia. Many of these people have appealed to the Indian government for assistance via the internet. More than 10 million Indian citizens work and reside in the Gulf region.

Approximately 10,000 Indian citizens live in Iran, while more than 40,000 live in Israel. Government sources say that emergency plans are being reviewed in view of the potential for the situation to worsen.

Government intensifies contacts, Jaishankar speaks with Oman's Foreign Minister

Amidst the rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia following the Israeli and US attacks on Iran, the Indian government has intensified its diplomatic contacts with Gulf countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke by telephone with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi on Sunday evening. Jaishankar shared on the internet that he appreciated Oman's assessment and suggestions on the conflict.

According to sources, a day earlier, Jaishankar had also contacted the foreign ministers of several countries in the region, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iran. India is striving to reduce tensions in the region as quickly as possible, restore dialogue, and assist in efforts to ensure regional stability. However, as of 10:30 pm on Sunday, the Indian government had not yet commented on the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.