Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine during a visit to the United Arab Emirates [1, 2].
The diplomatic stopover underscores India's strategic interest in maintaining regional stability to protect its large diaspora and ensure the flow of critical energy resources.
During his remarks on Thursday, Modi condemned the collateral damage resulting from the war in West Asia [1]. He said that military conflict cannot resolve problems and urged the involved parties to seek diplomatic paths toward peace [1].
Beyond the immediate violence, the Prime Minister focused on the broader implications of regional instability. He highlighted the critical nature of energy security, which remains a primary concern for India's economic stability given its reliance on imports from the region [1, 2].
Modi also used the visit to address the safety of Indian citizens living and working in the region. He thanked the UAE government for its efforts in safeguarding the Indian diaspora [2].
The visit served as a precursor to further diplomatic engagements, as the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Europe next month [2].
“Military conflict cannot resolve problems.”
India's insistence on diplomacy in both West Asia and Ukraine reflects its 'strategic autonomy' policy. By positioning itself as a mediator and emphasizing energy security, New Delhi seeks to balance its relations with Western powers and regional allies while protecting the economic interests of its citizens abroad.
