New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar engaged in discussions with the UAE's Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, on Thursday, focusing on the recent developments in the West Asia conflict.

During their conversation, EAM Jaishankar expressed his gratitude towards the UAE Government for its support of the Indian community.

"It was a pleasure to meet Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, this afternoon. I thanked the UAE Government for its care of the Indian community and discussed the latest updates concerning the West Asia conflict," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

The unrest in West Asia intensified following the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials. In retaliation, Iran initiated drone and missile strikes aimed at US and Israeli installations, regional capitals, and allied forces in the area.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi had a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the prevailing situation in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated India's firm condemnation of all assaults on the UAE that have resulted in fatalities and damage to civilian infrastructure.

PM Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also concurred on the necessity for ensuring safe and unhindered navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, PM Modi remarked, "I spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and conveyed early Eid greetings. We discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia, reiterating India's strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have caused loss of innocent lives and inflicted damage on civilian infrastructure."

"We recognized the importance of maintaining safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We are committed to collaborating for the prompt restoration of peace, security, and stability in the region," he added.

The two leaders had previously communicated on March 1, where PM Modi condemned the attacks on the UAE and expressed India's solidarity during these challenging times.

“I spoke with the President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. I strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and expressed condolences for the loss of lives. India stands in solidarity with the UAE during these difficult times,” PM Modi had posted on X.

“I thanked him for caring for the Indian community residing in the UAE. We advocate for de-escalation, as well as regional peace, security, and stability,” he added.