Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone call with Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, urging an “early cessation of hostilities” and emphasising that the safety of civilians must be a priority as tensions soar in West Asia following US–Israel strikes on Iran.
In his message on social media platform X, Modi said he had conveyed India’s concerns over the ongoing violence and called for de‑escalation to protect non‑combatants caught in the crossfire. He reiterated that India wants hostilities to end quickly and urged all sides to prioritise peace and civilian security.
The call comes amid growing concerns over trade and energy flows. India imports a significant portion of its crude oil and LPG from West Asia, and instability in the region, especially near strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, could affect fuel costs, shipping schedules, and supply chains.
PM Modi also spoke with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, condemning recent attacks on the UAE and expressing India’s solidarity, while thanking UAE leadership for looking after the large Indian expatriate community.
Although direct trade with Iran has declined due to sanctions, India continues to export agricultural products, machinery, and pharmaceuticals, while importing dry fruits, chemicals, and glassware. Analysts warn that escalating conflict could disrupt these trade flows, affecting businesses and exporters dependent on Gulf markets.
India’s government is closely monitoring the economic fallout, including potential delays at ports, shipping disruptions, and volatility in energy prices. The PM’s outreach reflects India’s dual focus: advocating for peace to protect civilians and ensuring continuity of critical trade and energy interests.
PM Modi’s calls to regional leaders signal proactive diplomacy, combining humanitarian concerns with strategic economic foresight as businesses watch the Gulf situation for its impact on energy, logistics, and trade stability.
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