Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, focusing on the evolving situation in West Asia and condemning recent attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure in the region.

During the call, PM Modi extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to the King and the people of Bahrain. He also expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s continued support towards the welfare of the Indian community residing in the Gulf nation.

Sharing details of the conversation, the Prime Minister said both leaders discussed regional developments and raised concerns over the impact of attacks on critical infrastructure. He noted that such incidents could adversely affect global food, fuel, and fertiliser security.

PM Modi also underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping key shipping routes open and secure, amid rising tensions in the region.

The conversation comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in West Asia following reported US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which allegedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. Iran subsequently launched drone and missile attacks targeting US and Israeli-linked assets across the region.

India has been actively engaging with multiple global and regional leaders in recent days. PM Modi has held discussions with leaders from several countries, including Malaysia, Oman, France, Kuwait, the UAE, Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Earlier, the Prime Minister also spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, where both leaders expressed concern over the situation and emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability.

In another conversation, PM Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, reiterating the urgent need for de-escalation. He also held talks with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, condemning the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and stressing peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of secure maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah, marking a key diplomatic engagement amid efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.

The meeting assumes significance as it was Hamidullah’s first interaction with a senior Indian cabinet minister since he took charge in May last year.

Following the meeting, Hamidullah shared on social media that he had a “courtesy call” with Jaishankar and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to work together with India in areas of shared interest and mutual benefit.

Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of the engagement, noting that discussions focused on advancing bilateral relations between the neighbouring nations.

Possible visit by Bangladesh foreign minister

Diplomatic engagements between the two countries are expected to intensify in the coming weeks. According to sources, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman may visit India in the second week of April.

The visit is likely to be planned alongside his participation in a ministerial-level meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Mauritius.

Rahman, who previously studied at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, is considered familiar with India’s strategic and political landscape. He had also visited India in November last year in his earlier role as national security adviser under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

He was appointed foreign minister after Tarique Rahman assumed office earlier this year.

High-level exchanges expected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier congratulated Tarique Rahman on his electoral victory and extended an invitation to visit India.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also attended Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony and later conveyed a personal letter from Modi, reiterating the invitation for an official visit.

The recent meeting between Jaishankar and Hamidullah is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to maintain momentum in India-Bangladesh relations through sustained high-level dialogue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level conversations with leaders from multiple countries, including Emmanuel Macron, as concerns grow over the escalating situation in the Middle East.

During separate telephonic discussions with leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Oman and Malaysia, the prime minister stressed the urgent need for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. He also strongly condemned recent attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the region, warning that such actions could worsen tensions.

In his interaction with Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, PM Modi conveyed Eid greetings and reaffirmed India’s solidarity with the Gulf nation. He appreciated the support extended to the Indian community and reiterated the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking with King Abdullah II, the prime minister again underlined the need for restoring peace and stability. Both leaders expressed concern over the evolving situation and agreed that attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger avoidable escalation. PM Modi also acknowledged Jordan’s assistance in facilitating the safe return of stranded Indian nationals.

In a separate exchange with French President Emmanuel Macron, the leaders discussed the urgent need to reduce tensions and maintain diplomatic efforts. Both sides agreed to continue close coordination to support peace initiatives in the region.

PM Modi also spoke with Haitham bin Tariq, where the two leaders emphasised prioritising dialogue for restoring stability. The prime minister condemned violations of Oman’s sovereignty and appreciated its role in helping evacuate people, including Indian citizens.

During his conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi exchanged festive greetings and discussed the broader regional situation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the crisis through peaceful means.

These diplomatic engagements come amid heightened tensions following military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. India has consistently advocated for stability in the region, given its strategic and economic interests, particularly in energy security and maritime trade routes.