India is intensifying diplomatic efforts amid escalating tensions in West Asia, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding key phone conversations with leaders from Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar to address energy disruptions and the safety of Indian nationals.
Diplomatic Outreach
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. In these discussions, Modi expressed deep concern over attacks on Gulf nations, emphasized dialogue for peace, and highlighted India’s solidarity while stressing the welfare of over one crore Indians in the region.
These calls follow Modi’s recent talks with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, signaling a broad outreach as the Iran-influenced conflict spreads.
Energy Security Measures
India has flagged potential disruptions in crude oil and LNG supplies, as about 40-50% of its imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, now facing shipping halts from Iranian strikes. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured no immediate shortages, citing 25 days of crude and fuel stocks plus strategic reserves, alongside diversified sourcing from over 40 countries including the US, Russia, Australia, Canada, and Norway.
Qatar’s LNG production pause adds pressure, but long-term contracts and over three weeks of cooking gas reserves provide a buffer.
Broader Impacts
The crisis has led to output cuts in Iraq’s Rumaila field, halts at Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, and fires at UAE’s Fujairah hub. India is activating energy stockpiles, trade safeguards, and defense readiness while prioritizing expatriate safety and economic stability.
