Modi dials Netanyahu, seeks ‘cessation of hostilities’ amid Middle East tensions

Iran’s ongoing heavy bombardment across the Gulf has sparked fears of a broader war and shaken a region long viewed as calm and safe in the Middle East.

Updated on: Mar 2, 2026, 04:22:22 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reiterated the need for an “early cessation of hostilities” amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliation which has sparked a much wider conflict.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (HT Photo/ Ajay Aggarwal)

“Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities,” he wrote on X. Follow live updates to US-Israel-Iran tensions here.

Modi speaks with UAE President

The Indian PM also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strongly criticised the attacks on the Gulf country.

“Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 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,” he wrote on X.

Modi added, “Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.”

Middle East tensions

Iran’s ongoing heavy bombardment across the Gulf has sparked fears of a broader war and shaken a region long viewed as calm and safe in the Middle East.

The country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed after a joint US-Israeli airstrike hit Tehran on Saturday. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday.

Iran later began firing missiles towards Israel and a number of Arab countries in the region in retaliation for the killing of its supreme leader.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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