PM Modi Voices Strong Condemnation of Iran's Aggression Against UAE and Gulf Nations
In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a crucial telephone conversation with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday. This discussion occurred against the backdrop of escalating regional violence as Iran launched extensive retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, resulting in civilian casualties and substantial damage to critical infrastructure.
Solidarity and Condolences from India
Through a detailed message posted on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi articulated India's firm position. "Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," the Prime Minister stated. "Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times."
PM Modi further expressed gratitude for the UAE leadership's care toward the substantial Indian community residing in the Emirates. Crucially, he emphasized India's support for "de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability," highlighting New Delhi's commitment to diplomatic resolution amidst the crisis.
Escalating Violence and Mounting Casualties
The Prime Minister's remarks coincided with official confirmations from Emirati authorities detailing the human cost of the conflict. Since Iran initiated its counterstrikes in response to earlier US and Israeli operations that targeted Tehran's leadership, four individuals have been confirmed killed, with dozens more wounded.
For a second consecutive day, residents reported hearing explosions in major urban centers, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as Gulf states activated their defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles. The UAE's defense ministry provided a stark assessment of the aerial assault, revealing that since Saturday, they had detected:
- 165 ballistic missiles, of which 152 were successfully destroyed
- 2 cruise missiles that were intercepted
- 541 Iranian drones launched, with 506 shot down
Despite this impressive interception rate exceeding 90%, falling debris from destroyed missiles and drones caused significant harm. Among those killed in the UAE were three foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In Abu Dhabi, two people sustained injuries when debris struck a building complex housing foreign diplomatic missions.
Widespread Infrastructure Damage Across the Gulf
The attacks have severely impacted civilian infrastructure throughout the region, creating disruption and danger across multiple sectors:
- Aviation Hubs: Airports in the UAE and Kuwait sustained direct hits, while drones caused minor damage at Bahrain's capital airport.
- Urban Centers: Fires were reported at prominent locations in Dubai, adding to the chaos in one of the world's most visited cities.
- Residential Areas: Residential buildings faced damage from falling debris, endangering civilian populations.
- Maritime Infrastructure: Seaports across the Gulf region experienced disruptions to their operations.
The conflict represents a dangerous escalation in regional tensions, with Iran's retaliatory campaign following US and Israeli operations that reportedly eliminated Tehran's supreme leader and other senior officials. As Gulf nations continue their defensive efforts, the international community watches closely, with India's leadership emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation as the path forward.
