New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant dialogue regarding the situation in West Asia with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Friday. He strongly condemned the recent assaults on both energy and civilian infrastructure within the region.

During their phone conversation, PM Modi extended Eid wishes to King Hamad and expressed gratitude for his unwavering support towards the well-being of the Indian community residing in Bahrain.

In a statement shared on X, PM Modi remarked: "Had an insightful discussion with His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. I conveyed warm Eid greetings to him and the people of Bahrain. We addressed the ongoing situation in West Asia and condemned the attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing their detrimental effects on global food, fuel, and fertilizer security."

"I reiterated the necessity of ensuring freedom of navigation and maintaining secure shipping lanes. I also thanked His Majesty for his ongoing support for the Indian community in Bahrain," he added.

This conversation occurs amid persistent conflict in West Asia, which escalated following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military officials. In retaliation, Iran initiated drone and missile strikes targeting US and Israeli installations, as well as allied forces across the region.

Earlier, on March 2, PM Modi and King Hamad had a prior discussion.

In recent days, PM Modi has also communicated with leaders from Malaysia, Oman, France, Kuwait, UAE, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as India seeks to maintain dialogue with regional governments and key partners regarding the ongoing turmoil in Iran and the Gulf.

On Thursday, PM Modi held a second phone conversation this month with Jordan's King Abdullah II, where they expressed concerns about the evolving situation in West Asia. PM Modi posted on X: "Conveyed advance Eid wishes to my brother, King Abdullah II. We expressed concern over the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace, security, and stability in the region."

"The attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are unacceptable and risk unnecessary escalation. Both India and Jordan advocate for the unrestricted transit of goods and energy. I appreciated Jordan's efforts to safely return Indians stranded in the region," he added.

PM Modi also conferred with French President Emmanuel Macron about the situation in West Asia, emphasizing the pressing need for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic discussions.

Furthermore, he spoke with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, reaffirming India's condemnation of the recent breaches of Oman's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and the restoration of peace and stability.

"I had a productive conversation with my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and conveyed early Eid greetings to the people of Oman. We concurred on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability," PM Modi shared on X following their call.

"I reiterated India's condemnation of the violation of Oman's sovereignty and territorial integrity and commended Oman's efforts in ensuring the safe return of thousands, including Indian nationals. India and Oman advocate for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz," he concluded.