Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Discuss West Asia Conflict, Secure Shipping Lanes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Both leaders condemned attacks on regional energy infrastructure and agreed on the imperative to keep vital shipping lanes open and secure. The conversation is part of India's continued diplomatic outreach as tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran escalate. Meanwhile, Iran claims new strikes on US forces, and the Pentagon is reportedly planning further troop deployments to the region.

Key Points: PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Talk West Asia Conflict & Shipping

  • Condemn attacks on energy infrastructure
  • Ensure freedom of navigation
  • Keep shipping lines secure
  • Diplomatic outreach amid conflict
  • Regional tensions escalate
2 min read

PM Modi talks with Saudi Crown Prince amid West Asia Conflict, discusses need to keep shipping lines open

PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discuss West Asia conflict, condemn attacks on energy infrastructure, and agree to keep shipping lines secure.

PM Modi talks with Saudi Crown Prince amid West Asia Conflict, discusses need to keep shipping lines open
"We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, March 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, during which both leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that he reiterated India's condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure and agreed to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure.

"Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India's condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia," he said.

These calls build on PM Modi's ongoing diplomatic outreach since the conflict erupted involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran has today claimed that it had struck two US Army "hideouts" in Dubai as the conflict in West Asia continues, Iranian state media Fars News Agency reported.

According to the news agency, a spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya claimed US army personnel had moved to these hideouts after Iran's strikes on their bases in the region.

The spokesperson claimed that more than 500 US Army personnel were in these hideouts, around 400 in the first and 100 in the second hideout.

The IRGC identified these locations and carried out precise missiles and drone strikes and inflicted heavy casualties, as per the spokesperson's claims reported by the Fars News Agency.

The spokesperson added, "Trump and the commanders of the US Army must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers, and they will have no choice but to surrender to the divine will of the heroic people and the brave warriors of Islam."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is expected to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to a CBS report.

The news report said, citing a source familiar with the planning, that the Pentagon is planning to send elements of the division, including a command component and some ground forces, to the region.

A possible ground operation in the Kharg Island is also being contemplated by the US. Meanwhile, Iranians have started laying mines and moved additional forces to the Island.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Glad to see our PM is actively engaging. The safety of our Indian community in Saudi is paramount. Hope these talks lead to some de-escalation. The region is a tinderbox right now.
R
Rohit P
The part about "freedom of navigation" is key. If oil prices shoot up because of blocked straits, our petrol prices will go through the roof. Our diplomacy must protect the common man's pocket.
S
Sarah B
While engagement is good, I hope India's stance remains balanced and principled. We have good relations with both the Gulf nations and Iran. Walking this tightrope is our traditional strength, shouldn't lean too far one way.
V
Vikram M
The situation sounds very tense with talk of US troop movements and Iranian strikes. India playing a stabilising role is welcome, but we must be careful not to get drawn into someone else's conflict. Our focus should be our national interest.
K
Karthik V
Good step. Saudi is a key partner. But let's also talk to Iran directly. A lot of our oil comes from there too. We need all channels open. Jai Hind!

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