NEW DELHI, Mar 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to leaders of France, Jordan, Oman and Malaysia on Thursday, and discussed the West Asia situation with them.
Expressing concern over the evolving situation there, he sought de-escalation of conflict in the region.
In separate telephonic conversations with the four leaders, Modi said attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation. He highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.
“Conveyed advance Eid wishes to my brother, His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan, over phone. We expressed concern at the evolving situation in West Asia and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region. Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation,” Modi said on microblogging platform X.
The prime minister said India and Jordan stand in support of unhindered transit of goods and energy.
“Deeply appreciated Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indians stranded in the region,” he said.
In another post, Modi said he spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Spoke with my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond,” Modi wrote.
He further said he had a “productive conversation” with “my brother” Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and conveyed advance Eid greetings to the people of the Gulf country.
“We agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability,” Modi said.
The prime minister reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated its efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals.
“India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
In his conversation with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, Modi conveyed greetings to him and other Malaysians for the upcoming festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
Modi has spoken twice to King of Jordan and the Sultan of Oman since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28 and the Islamic Republic retaliated by attacking several of its Gulf neighbours.
It was Modi’s first call to Macron and Ibrahim since the conflict started.
The prime minister has also spoken to several other world leaders, including those from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Israel and Iran, since the conflict began. (PTI)
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