New Delhi, March 19 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Abdullah II of Jordan held a telephone conversation on Thursday, their second this month, expressing concern over the evolving situation in West Asia. The two leaders emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security, and stability in the region as soon as possible.
PM Modi extended advance Eid greetings to King Abdullah II and praised Jordan's efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the region.
"I conveyed advance Eid greetings to my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan, over the phone. We expressed concern about the evolving situation in West Asia and emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security, and stability in the region," PM Modi posted on X.
"The attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and could lead to unnecessary escalation. India and Jordan stand in support of the unhindered transit of goods and energy. I deeply appreciate Jordan's efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indian citizens stranded in the region," he added.
The conversation between the two leaders took place amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which erupted after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals, and allied forces in West Asia.
Both leaders had already spoken on March 2.
Over the past few days, PM Modi has also spoken with the leaders of Malaysia, Oman, France, Kuwait, the UAE, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, as India continues to engage with the governments of the region, as well as other key partners, regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf region.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I spoke with my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, about the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond."
PM Modi also held a telephone conversation with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and reiterated India's condemnation of the recent violation of Oman's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.
"I had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability," PM Modi posted on X after the call.
"I 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. India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.
PM Modi also spoke to his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on Thursday, and discussed the concerning situation in West Asia. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I spoke with my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, and conveyed warm greetings to him and the people of Malaysia on the occasion of the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy."