PM Modi talks with Saudi Crown Prince amid West Asia Conflict, discusses need to keep shipping lines open NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has spoken to Saudi crown prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman and reiterated India’s concern about freedom of navigation as the Iran-aligned Houthis entered the theatre of war in West Asia by firing missiles at Israel, raising concern over the transport of Saudi crude through the Red Sea.“We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” Modi wrote on X after the conversation with the de facto Saudi ruler. Modi also reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. The Houthis — a Shiite group who are armed and bankrolled by Iran and have taken control of Yemen — had so far remained on the sidelines of the battle. Israel Iran War‘A tremendous mistake’: Trump says he’ll cut spending on Nato over Iran war snubStrait Of Hormuz Standoff: Trump pauses Iran strikes; Tehran tightens oil leverageThey have fought against the Saudis and, in 2023, as part of the conflict, blocked the strategically important Bab el-Mandab Strait — a narrow passage that carries a significant share of global energy and cargo flows. At a time when risks persist around the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption at Bab el-Mandeb could further strain already sensitive supply chains. This was the second telephonic conversation between the PM and the crown prince since the West Asia conflict started on Feb 28.Underscoring India’s energy and diaspora interests in the Gulf, Modi has twice spoken to leaders of all GCC countries since the conflict started and condemned the violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. India, however, is yet to condemn the US-Israel strikes on Iran.In his conversations, Modi has also repeatedly called for keeping the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran continues to control — open to ensure global energy security is not adversely impacted.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosLearning From Iran War, India Clears Strike Drone Squadrons For Indian Air ForceIndia’s Fourth S-400 System Undergoing Final Trials In Russia, Delivery Expected SoonJag Vasant LPG Vessel Docks At Gujarat Port After Hormuz Passage DelayAdani Delivers 2000 Prahar LMGs Early, Signalling New Speed In India’s Defence Push Forward’Taking Every Step’: PM Modi’s BIG Assurance To Tackle Global Shock Without Hurting CitizensIAF’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team Displays India’s Air Power In Stunning Chandigarh Air ShowAmid Tensions, Iran Allows Two Indian LPG Ships Carrying 90,000 MT Fuel To Sail Out Safely’Turned Noida Into ATM For Loot’: PM Modi Blasts Akhilesh Yadav For Delay In Jewar Airport OpeningPakistan’s Terror Links Under Global Lens, US Congressional Report Echoes India’s Claim On TerrorismIndia’s Clears ₹2.38 Lakh Crore Defence Proposals Across Services In Major Procurement Push123PhotostoriesThe love lives of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Inside their real-life romancesMomo for dinner: How this can help in reducing inflammation and the right under 20-minute recipeBroccoli to Dark Chocolate: 6 brain-boosting superfoods for kids to consume daily and the right way to eat themLeg cramps, swelling, or heaviness? Doctors decode what your body may be lacking, and simple ways to find reliefCapsicum to Cabbage: 6 vegetables you shouldn’t eat raw and what to do insteadPrincess Diana to Grace Kelly: 5 most beautiful royal bridal veils of all time’Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’to ‘Harry Potter Deathly Hallows – Part 2’: Plot recap ahead of TV series release5 elite residential areas in Surat known for luxury livingLPG Shortage: 5 step complete guide on how to make perfectly puffed roti on an inductionThese birth dates are known as powerful healers123Hot PicksE-chequesIndia-US trade dealNoida International AirportUS Iran WarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingTiger Woods CrashBabar AzamH-1B lotteryVaibhav SooryavanshiMadhya Pradesh High CourtRoyal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Live ScoreNoelia CastilloUS travel advisoryAnti-vaccine rowH-1B visa
NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has spoken to Saudi crown prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman and reiterated India’s concern about freedom of navigation as the Iran-aligned Houthis entered the theatre of war in West Asia by firing missiles at Israel, raising concern over the transport of Saudi crude through the Red Sea.“We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lines secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” Modi wrote on X after the conversation with the de facto Saudi ruler. Modi also reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. The Houthis — a Shiite group who are armed and bankrolled by Iran and have taken control of Yemen — had so far remained on the sidelines of the battle. They have fought against the Saudis and, in 2023, as part of the conflict, blocked the strategically important Bab el-Mandab Strait — a narrow passage that carries a significant share of global energy and cargo flows. At a time when risks persist around the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption at Bab el-Mandeb could further strain already sensitive supply chains. This was the second telephonic conversation between the PM and the crown prince since the West Asia conflict started on Feb 28.Underscoring India’s energy and diaspora interests in the Gulf, Modi has twice spoken to leaders of all GCC countries since the conflict started and condemned the violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. India, however, is yet to condemn the US-Israel strikes on Iran.In his conversations, Modi has also repeatedly called for keeping the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran continues to control — open to ensure global energy security is not adversely impacted.
