NEW DELHI/TEL AVIV: As the conflict in West Asia intensifies following a series of devastating strikes between Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, March 1, 2026, to discuss the rapidly deteriorating regional situation.
The call came against the backdrop of U.S.-Israeli joint attacks on Iran on Saturday, which reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top figures, and a subsequent Iranian missile strike on an Israeli city that resulted in multiple casualties.
India’s Stated Position
In a post on his official X account following the conversation, PM Modi outlined India’s concerns and the message conveyed to the Israeli leader.
“Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority,” the Prime Minister wrote. “India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.”
The statement reflects India’s consistent call for restraint and de-escalation in regional conflicts, with a specific focus on the protection of civilian lives.
Parallel Diplomacy With the UAE
In a separate diplomatic outreach on the same day, PM Modi also spoke with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During this call, he took a stronger stance, condemning the attacks on the Gulf nation.
The Prime Minister expressed that India stands in solidarity with the UAE “in these difficult times,” according to the official readout.
The Escalating Conflict
The high-level diplomatic engagement comes as the region reels from a significant escalation:
- February 28, 2026: The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- March 1, 2026: An Iranian missile attack on the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh killed at least nine people and left 11 missing, marking the deadliest single strike in Israel since the war began, according to police reports.
PM Modi’s calls to the leaders of both Israel and the UAE underscore India’s deep interest in the stability of the West Asia region, which is home to millions of Indian expatriates and a critical source of the country’s energy supplies.
