PM Modi speaks to Netanyahu; urges civilian safety, ceasefire

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the simmering crisis in West Asia and underscored that ensuring civilian safety must remain the top priority during the ongoing conflict. Modi also reiterated "the need for an early cessation of hostilities."

"Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority," Modi wrote on X. "India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities."

Modi also separately spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE, expressing condolences over the loss of lives.


In a post on X, Modi said he conveyed India's solidarity with the UAE.

Modi also spoke with Jordan King on the evolving situation in the region. "Spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. Conveyed our deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. We reaffirm our support for peace, security and the well-being of the people of Jordan. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour. @KingAbdullahII," Modi wrote on X.

The conversations come amid heightened tensions after joint military strikes by Israel and the US titled 'Operation Roaring Lion' and 'Operation Epic Fury' on Iran on Saturday. The strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian leaders. It sparked a rapid retaliation from Tehran against US assets and allies, targeting every single Gulf nation, which continued till Monday.

India's Cabinet Committee on Security late Sunday reviewed the fast-evolving situation in West Asia. The discussions are understood to have focused on the safety of Indian nationals in the Middle East and contingency plans should the conflict intensify.

There are nearly 10,000 Indians in Iran, over 40,000 in Israel, and about nine million across West Asia.