India reiterated deep concern over the Iran-Gulf crisis on February 28, 2026, urging all parties to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity while prioritizing civilian safety through dialogue and diplomacy, per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
MEA Statement Key Points
“We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected.”
Balancing Act Post-Netanyahu Visit
Statement follows PM Modi’s India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership elevation (Feb 26)—just 48 hours before strikes. India maintains ties with Iran (Chabahar port), Gulf hosts (9M workers), and Israel (defense imports).
Citizen Safety Measures
Indian missions activated 24/7 helplines as Air India/IndiGo suspended West Asia flights, Emirates halted Dubai operations. 3.5M Indians in UAE, 2.6M Saudi face risks from Iranian barrages (Abu Dhabi fatality).
Strategic Implications
India’s neutral stance navigates 85% Gulf oil dependency, $100B+ remittances. Calls echo UN emergency session demand amid Khamenei death confirmation and 7-nation Iranian retaliation.
