Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on Friday, condemning attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure across West Asia while emphasizing the critical need to keep international shipping routes secure. The telephonic conversation marked Modi's second call with the Bahraini monarch since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering a cycle of regional retaliation.
During the diplomatic exchange, Modi conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings to the king and the people of Bahrain while addressing the deteriorating security situation across the region. The prime minister specifically highlighted concerns about attacks targeting energy infrastructure, warning of their "adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertiliser security."
"Had a fruitful discussion with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa," Modi posted on social media platform X. "We discussed the current situation in the West Asian region. Condemned attacks on the energy and civilian infrastructure in the region, underscoring their adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertiliser security."
The prime minister's emphasis on freedom of navigation reflects India's broader strategic concerns about maritime trade routes through the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, which carry significant portions of global energy supplies and commercial shipping. Any disruption to these corridors directly affects India's energy imports and trade relationships.
Modi also thanked King Hamad for his "continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain," highlighting the substantial Indian diaspora population in the Gulf kingdom. Bahrain hosts approximately 350,000 Indian nationals, making them one of the largest expatriate communities in the country.
- Second call with Bahrain's king since February 28 strikes on Iran
- Part of broader outreach including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, France
- Also spoke directly with leaders of Israel and Iran amid escalating tensions
The call represents part of Modi's extensive diplomatic outreach since the conflict erupted. The prime minister has engaged with leaders across the region, including those from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, France, Malaysia, Israel, and Iran, positioning India as a mediating voice calling for de-escalation.
India's diplomatic approach reflects its complex balancing act in the region, where it maintains significant economic relationships with multiple parties while avoiding taking sides in sectarian or geopolitical disputes. The country imports substantial oil from Iran while also deepening defense and technology partnerships with Israel and maintaining strong ties with Gulf Arab states.
The focus on energy infrastructure attacks resonates particularly strongly with India, which imports approximately 85% of its crude oil requirements. Any sustained disruption to Middle Eastern energy supplies or shipping routes could significantly impact India's economic growth and energy security.
Regional analysts note that India's diplomatic messaging has consistently emphasized the economic consequences of Middle Eastern conflicts rather than taking positions on underlying political disputes. This approach allows New Delhi to maintain relationships across sectarian and political divides while advocating for stability in regions critical to its energy and trade interests.
The timing of the call, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, also demonstrates India's effort to maintain cultural and religious sensitivity in its regional diplomacy, recognizing the significance of Islamic festivals in building diplomatic rapport with Muslim-majority nations.