PM Modi discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, pushes for opening of sea routes

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephone conversation with the Crown Prince and Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, with the two leaders discussing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.In X’s post, Prime Minister Modi He reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure and agreed to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lanes open and safe.He said, “Had a conversation with His Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keep shipping lanes open and safe. I thank him for his continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.”This is the second phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and the Crown Prince since the conflict in the Middle East broke out on February 28.The crisis has led to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, with Tehran retaliating by targeting Israel and across the region.Iran’s strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz has heightened global concerns. The Strait of Hormuz is an important corridor carrying nearly 20% of the world’s energy supply. Traffic on the route has been severely restricted since the situation escalated.He also spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing the conversation as a “helpful exchange of views” on the evolving situation in the Middle East.