Modi spoke to Macron, leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held separate talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Emir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia and expressed concern over the ongoing conflict.
According to his post on social media, the discussion focused on efforts to restore stability in the region and maintain coordination towards reducing tensions and peace.
“Spoke to my dear friend President Emmanuel Macron on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need to de-escalate tensions as well as the return to dialogue and diplomacy,” Modi said.
In another post, he wrote: “Spoke with my friend, Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, and extended warm wishes to him and the people of Malaysia on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We also had an in-depth discussion on the worrying situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation of tensions and early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.”
“Had a fruitful conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and extended Eid greetings to the people of Oman in advance,” the prime minister said in a separate post on Twitter.
“We agreed on the need to give priority to dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability,” he said in the post. “They reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated Oman’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals,” it said.
“India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“Spoke to his brother, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and extended his warm Eid greetings to him and the people of Qatar. Reiterated that we stand in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemn the attacks on the region’s energy infrastructure. Expressed gratitude for the care and support provided to the Indian community and expressed hope that peace and stability will prevail in the region. We will ensure safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” Stand for navigation,” the PM said in another post.
“I extended advance Eid greetings to my brother, King of Jordan, His Majesty King Abdullah II over phone. We expressed concern over the evolving situation in West Asia and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region. Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are deplorable and may lead to avoidable escalation. India and Jordan stand in support of the unhindered transit of goods and energy. The safe return of Indians Deeply appreciated the efforts of Jordan to facilitate those stranded in the area,” PM Modi said.
The West Asia conflict entered its 20th day on Thursday and tensions in the region continue to rise. Following the attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, Iranian missiles reportedly hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial city.
Drone attacks also targeted refineries in Kuwait (Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah), as well as facilities in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who has stayed away from directly attacking Iran, warned on Thursday that it “reserves the right to respond militarily if necessary.”
