Calls to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East intensify with the US vowing to end the Iran war soon.
New York: As the US-Israel and Iran war entered third week with no respite in sight, world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, called for immediate de-escalation in West Asia and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.
In his separate telephonic conversations with the three leaders, PM Modi also stressed the need for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he had spoken with President Macron on the situation in West Asia and highlighted the need for de-escalation. He added that both sides look forward to continuing their cooperation to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond.
During the conversation, both leaders exchanged views on the ongoing developments in the region and expressed concern over the escalating tensions. Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of resolving the situation through peaceful means, emphasising dialogue and diplomatic engagement to restore stability.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues, with a shared focus on promoting peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Modi and Jordan's King Abdullah II held a telephonic conversation, expressing concern over the evolving situation in West Asia. The two leaders highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.
PM Modi conveyed advance Eid greetings to King Abdullah II and appreciated Jordan's efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indians stranded in the region.
"Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation. 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," Modi noted.
PM Modi also held a telephonic conversation with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and reiterated India’s condemnation of the recent violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability.
The Prime Minister also spoke to his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim and discussed the concerning situation in West Asia. The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy
India termed the recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across the Gulf region as "deeply disturbing", highlighting that such actions will only further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world.
US vows to end Iran war
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday signalled a major escalation in Washington’s military campaign against Iran, declaring that “today again will be the largest strike package on Iran,” even as he asserted that American war objectives remain unchanged and “on target and on plan.”
Addressing reporters, Hegseth said that the United States would press ahead until its goals are fully met, stating bluntly: “We will finish this,” and insisting, “War will end on our terms, Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.”
"Our objectives, given directly from our America-first president, remain exactly what they were on day one," he added.
Testing time for global community
India on Thursday said the situation has been a "testing time", not just for the country, but the entire global community. At an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the West Asia situation, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We continue to remain in touch with concerned countries to ensure our energy security needs are met."
"Yes, it has been testing time, not just for us, but the entire global community. Our leaders have been in touch with their counterparts, as I just spoke about the conversation between our prime minister and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Similarly, we have been in touch with several other leaders," Jaiswal noted. India continues to "closely monitor" the developments in the Gulf, West Asia region.
