Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia, marking their second discussion since the war began in February.
PM Modi reiterated India’s strong condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure in the region. “We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure,” he said in a post on X.
The recent strikes have targeted key Saudi facilities, including the Ras Tanura Refinery and Yanbu Port & Refinery, following a US-Israeli campaign against Iran. In response, Iran carried out strikes on US bases in the Gulf and threatened regional shipping routes, including the vital Strait of Hormuz, contributing to global energy supply disruptions and rising oil prices.
Focus on Indian Citizens in Gulf Countries
During the call, PM Modi also thanked the Crown Prince for supporting the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. Nearly 2.75 million Indians live in the Kingdom, and official data shows that around one crore Indians reside and work across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.
Highlighting India’s proactive diplomacy, Modi noted that the country has been among the few able to transit energy shipments safely through the Strait of Hormuz. He has also discussed the importance of keeping this waterway open with US President Donald Trump, describing it as a “global lifeline” crucial for the economic stability of the world.
Addressing the Nation: Energy Security and Global Turbulence
On Sunday, in the 132nd edition of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi spoke about the wider impact of the conflict. “The world continues to face crises even after the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing war has affected millions, including Indians living in the Gulf,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Gulf nations for supporting Indian citizens abroad and reassured the public that their safety remains a priority. The Prime Minister also drew attention to rising global concerns over petrol and diesel supply. “This region is a key source of India’s energy needs, and geopolitical tensions are causing worry about fuel availability,” he said.
Despite the challenges, PM Modi emphasized India’s readiness to face the situation. “Our global relations, partnerships, and the strengths we have built over the past decade enable us to confront these challenges resolutely,” he added.
Call for Unity and Caution Against Misinformation
PM Modi urged citizens to remain united and vigilant. “There is no place for self-serving politics in matters concerning the nation’s interest. Rumours can harm the country, and people should rely only on official sources for updates,” he said.
He expressed confidence that India would overcome the crisis through collective effort, as it has in previous challenges. “Through unity and vigilance, India will face this turbulence successfully, just as we have in the past,” the Prime Minister said.
