PM Modi condemns attacks on Kuwait, stresses free navigation in Hormuz

Wednesday’s phone call was the second between Sheikh Sabah and Modi since the start of Israel and the US’s war against Iran on February 28

Updated on: Mar 18, 2026, 19:17:35 IST

By Rezaul H Laskar, NEW DELHI

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India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on May 3, 2025. REUTERS (REUTERS FILE)

This was the second phone call between Sheikh Sabah and Modi since the start of Israel and the US’s war against Iran on February 28. Modi has spoken to the leaders of several Arab countries in recent days, including United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday.

“We exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia and shared concerns over recent developments. Reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Modi said on social media.

Modi also described ensuring “safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz” as India’s foremost priority. “We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability,” he said.

Besides conveying greetings for the upcoming festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, Modi thanked Sheikh Sabah for his “continued support for the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait”.

There are 10 million Indian nationals spread across West Asian countries, including one million in Kuwait alone, making up the country’s largest expatriate community. India has repeatedly emphasised the security of Indian nationals in West Asia as several Indians have been injured in Iranian drone and missile strikes on infrastructure in the region.

In recent days, Modi has also spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Bahrain King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rezaul H Laskar
Rezaul Hasan Laskar is Foreign Editor with the Hindustan Times, which he joined in 2015. He began as a journalist in his hometown of Shillong in northeast India and has worked in newspapers and wire services over the years. He moved to New Delhi in 1997 and initially focused on defence, national security, Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, while also working of foreign policy and international relations. He has been part of the media delegation accompanying PMs on foreign visits and has reported from destinations ranging from Tibet to Ukraine. Between 2007 and 2013, he was the Press Trust of India correspondent in Pakistan, one of only two Indian journalists allowed to report from the country. He extensively covered Pakistan’s domestic politics and the life of the common people, as well as the fallout of the 2008 Mumbai attacks on India-Pakistan relations and the subsequent trial in Pakistan of the suspects involved in the attack. As part of his reportage in Pakistan, he travelled the breadth of the country, from the Swat Valley to Balochistan. Reza’s first gig in journalism was writing a weekly music column, and music – especially classic rock – remains a keen interest. He is also a movie buff and a keen photographer.Read More

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