India's Modi urges Middle East peace as US-Israel-Iran strikes escalate

2026-03-02 - 10:52

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for peace and stability in the Middle East on Monday, as regional tensions escalate following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf states. Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New Delhi, Modi declared: "India stands for peace and stability," emphasizing that New Delhi supports resolving disputes "through dialogue and diplomacy." Diplomatic Engagement and Security Concerns Modi held talks Sunday with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the "current regional situation," conveying India's concerns over unfolding developments and emphasizing that civilian safety must remain a priority. He reiterated the need for an early cessation of hostilities. The Indian government convened an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the country's highest security decision-making body chaired by the prime minister, to address the crisis. The committee expressed serious concern over the safety of the large Indian expatriate community in the region and directed relevant departments to take necessary measures to assist affected nationals. Regional Impact and Condolences The appeal for calm follows Saturday's joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted Tehran to launch drone and missile attacks against US-linked bases in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Modi separately condemned attacks on the UAE and offered condolences for lives lost in Iranian retaliatory strikes. The Indian leader's outreach reflects New Delhi's delicate balancing act as it maintains ties with Israel, Gulf Arab states, and Iran while protecting its substantial diaspora interests across the region.