Indian PM, Saudi Crown Prince share deep concerns at terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the situation in West Asia during a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday (December 26, 2023).
 
During the conversation, which came amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and recent attacks by Houthi rebels on cargo vessels sailing through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, the two leaders agreed to work together for peace and stability in the region. They also highlighted the need to maintain maritime security.
 
“Held a good conversation with my Brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on the West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives. Agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media platform X. 
 
The discussions were part of Prime Minister Modi's continuing engagement with leaders in the West Asia region in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
 
According to an official press release, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s long-standing and principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and called for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population. 
 
"The two leaders agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region. They also emphasised the need for maintaining the maritime security and the freedom of navigation," the release issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) added.
 
According to the PMO, the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral Strategic Partnership in follow-up to the State visit of the Crown Prince to India in September 2023, and they also discussed the forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda for the future.
 
During the telephone conversation, Prime Minister Modi conveyed greetings to Saudi Arabia on being selected as host for Expo 2030 and FIFA Football World Cup 2034. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
 
Security of shipping lines in the Red Sea maritime corridor and adjoining regions has emerged as a major concern in recent weeks following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
 
The issue was discussed in a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 19, 2023.
 
“Had a productive exchange of views with PM @netanyahu on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including shared concerns on the safety of maritime traffic. Highlighted India’s consistent stand in favour of early restoration of peace & stability in the region with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected,” Prime Minister Modi said in a post on social media platform X.
 
According to a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders discussed the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran, and the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies.
 
Prime Minister Modi noted that freedom of navigation is an essential global necessity that must be ensured, the statement added.
 
Recent weeks have seen numerous vessels being attacked by the Houthi rebels, who maintain they are targeting ships in the Red Sea with links to Israel in protest against its military offensive in Gaza. This has raised concerns about the impact on the passage of oil, grain and other goods on this important global trade route.
 
Merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, with 21 Indian crew members, was hit by a drone about 217 nautical miles from Porbandar on December 23, 2023, following which the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard swung into action to provide assistance to the ship.
 
Earlier in the month, a Gabon-flagged commercial crude oil tanker also came under attack in the Red Sea; it had 25 Indian crew members.