India Stands with UAE Amid Iran Strikes, Calls for De-Escalation
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India has condemned attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and expressed solidarity with the Emirates, while calling for de-escalation and regional peace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
The call came as Iran continued with missile and drone strikes against several West Asian countries, including the UAE, in retaliation for the joint Israel-US air strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several top military leaders.
Modi strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives, saying India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times. He also thanked Sheikh Mohamed for taking care of the Indian community in the UAE, which numbers nearly four million people.
The UAE is an important source of energy and a key trade partner for India, with two-way commerce worth more than $100 billion annually. An Indian was among 58 foreign workers injured in Iranian attacks on the UAE since Saturday, while three nationals of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan were killed.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to his Omani counterpart to discuss the situation in the region, as India maintains a delicate balance in responding to the evolving situation in West Asia.
