‘A matter of grave concern’: PM Modi calls for dialogue, diplomacy as tensions rise in Middle East

Prime Minister Narendra Modi In a joint statement with Canadian Foreign Minister Mark Carney on Monday, he reflected on ongoing tensions in the Middle East, also known as West Asia. He expressed concern about the evolving situation in the region after the United States and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Iran, resulting in the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Prime Minister Modi said after his talks with Carni that “the situation in West Asia is a matter of serious concern to us.”He also said that India will continue to cooperate with countries in the region to ensure the safety of its citizens. “We will continue to work with countries in West Asia to ensure the safety of Indians there,” he said.Prime Minister Modi and the Canadian leader also emphasized that terrorism and radicalization remain “common and serious challenges” to India and Canada and to all mankind.Referring to the situation in West Asia, Prime Minister Modi said: “India supports the resolution of all conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.”The joint speech by the leaders of the two major democracies came after Canada’s neighbors, the United States and Israel, launched a joint military operation against Iran, striking multiple locations including the “heart of Tehran.” The attack killed several top leaders of the Tehran regime and ended Ali Khamenei’s decades-long rule in Iran.