New Delhi: ‘Need for early cessation of hostilities’: PM Modi dials Netanyahu over Middle East tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reiterated the need for an “early cessation of hostilities” amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation which has sparked a much wider conflict.
“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. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” he wrote on X. Follow live updates to US-Israel-Iran tensions here.
The Indian PM also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strongly criticised the attacks on the Gulf country.
“Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times,” he wrote on X.
Modi added, “Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.”
Iran’s ongoing heavy bombardment across the Gulf has sparked fears of a broader war and shaken a region long viewed as calm and safe in the Middle East.
The country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed after a joint US-Israeli airstrike hit Tehran on Saturday. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday.
Iran later began firing missiles towards Israel and a number of Arab countries in the region in retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader.
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