A late-night diplomatic call carried a message of support in the middle of a region preparing for uncertainty. Prime Minister Modi’s call today to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan included strong condemnation of the recent Iranian missile attacks on the Gulf State.
India stands together with the UAE.
The Prime Minister’s call to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was made shortly after a series of missile and drone attacks over the Emirates resulted in the loss of three lives and left multiple civilians with injuries. One of those injured, an Indian national, however, has since been assured that he/she is no longer in any danger.
A Firm Condemnation from New Delhi
Modi called the events tragic and expressed regret for people who died as a result of the violence that was directed at law enforcement officials, reaffirming India’s continuing commitment to the UAE during these difficult times. He thanked the leaders and government of the UAE for their continued assistance in maintaining peace and stability in the region for the large Indian population living and working in that country.
This is a reflection of both principle and pragmatism for New Delhi, as India has a close strategic and economic relationship with the UAE. The Gulf is home to millions of Indian nationals, making them the largest expat population in the GCC, so keeping peace and stability in the region has a dual meaning — diplomatic and humanitarian.
The Scale of the Strikes
According to a report from the defence ministry of the UAE, they intercepted 165 ballistic missiles; 152 of those were destroyed, while 13 landed in the sea. The defence ministry also stated that their forces intercepted and destroyed 2 cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones, 506 of which were destroyed.
These strikes were launched following the assassination of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, via a US and Israeli joint airstrike in Tehran, and his death was confirmed by Iranian state media after the mobile phone video was broadcast. Iran then retaliated by launching missiles targeting Israel and other Arab nations, raising concerns over an escalating regional conflict.
A Call for De-escalation
India will support peaceful, secure, and stable regional de-escalation, said Mr Modi. His statements indicate a balancing act among various actors in West Asia, as India has historically had good relations with many actors in this region. India has consistently advocated for restraint and dialogues in the time of crisis.
With increasing tension in the Gulf, the implications are high. Energy and the safety of the diaspora depend on regional stability. Diplomacy may work quietly in these circumstances; however, New Delhi’s message is clear: India is with the UAE and urges calm during times of insecurity in the region, where further prolonged conflicts can be detrimental.
