Modi, Jaishankar step up Israel-Gulf outreach as oil rises

India has stepped up diplomatic outreach to Israel and the UAE as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calling for de-escalation amid rising oil prices and risks to Gulf shipping lanes.

Israel outreach: Modi held a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the regional situation, conveying India’s concerns and calling for prioritizing civilian safety and an early halt to hostilities, according to a post on X.

Dialing MBZ: Modi also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the attacks on the UAE, without naming Iran, and expressing solidarity, as well as reiterating India’s support for de-escalation and regional stability, according to a post on X.

On the flip side: India has not issued an official statement on the killing of Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei.

Foreign minister’s outreach: Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, conveying India’s deep concern over the situation, he said in a post on X. He also held talks with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, as well as Qatar’s prime minister, with discussions focused on regional stability, Economic Times reports.

Why it matters

Balancing the boat: India maintains formal strategic partnerships with five of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries and continues to deepen defence and technology cooperation with Israel. Simultaneously, New Delhi remains engaged with Tehran, notably through its involvement in the Chabahar port project. Official messaging from the Ministry of External Affairs has consistently stressed the need for restraint, dialogue, and the protection of civilians.

Domestic criticism

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Israel — just hours before joint US and Israeli strikes — was marked by bonhomie with Benjamin Netanyahu. This has triggered domestic criticism, with opposition parties in India questioning the timing of the visit and alleging that it “creates a perception of partisan alignment and tacit endorsement” of the military action, according to a statement issued by the Indian National Congress.

Our take

India is likely to maintain a neutral diplomatic stance in the war, calling for de-escalation due to fears of an economic backlash from a prolonged conflict. While Modi’s political base largely approves of closer ties with Israel, the recent visit and the lack of condemnation over the killing of Khamenei are likely to cause medium-term diplomatic fissures with Iran, whose foreign minister publicly called Modi’s visit “unfortunate.”