On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India no longer abandons its citizens overseas and is actively working to provide all necessary assistance to Indians in West Asia during the current regional crisis. During a speech in Kochi, Modi stated that the government is keeping a close watch on the situation and is working together to assist Indian citizens residing and employed in West Asia.
The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation to the Gulf nations for their support of Indian expatriates amid the ongoing tensions. He remarked, "Gulf countries are providing exceptional care to Indians employed there, and I am thankful to them for this."
Prime Minister Modi criticized the opposition party, the Indian National Congress, accusing them of politicizing the West Asia crisis. He emphasized that matters related to the safety of Indian citizens overseas should remain non-political.
His comments arise amidst growing worries about the safety of thousands of Indian citizens in the Middle East as the conflict between Iran and the US intensifies. Officials stated that Indian embassies in the area are in contact with the community and are offering essential support.
Iran initiates new assaults on Israel and Gulf Arab nations
Early Wednesday, Iran initiated a fresh series of missile and drone strikes throughout the region, aiming at Israel and several Gulf Arab nations amidst the intensifying conflict. In Tel Aviv and various regions of Israel, air raid alarms were activated following a warning from Israeli officials about three impending Iranian attacks. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Iranian assaults also aimed at Saudi Arabia. The kingdom's defense ministry reported intercepting and destroying six ballistic missiles directed at Prince Sultan Air Base, a significant installation managed by both Saudi and US forces. Additionally, air defenses brought down two drones over the eastern city of Hafar al-Batin.
A cargo ship was hit by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, north of Oman, igniting a fire on board, as reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, managed by the British military. Although Iran did not immediately take responsibility for the incident, it has a history of targeting ships in and around the strait.
The monitoring center also noted a different attack on a container vessel near Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. Authorities mentioned that the level of damage was still uncertain and was under evaluation by the crew.
A different ship was struck by a projectile in the Persian Gulf, but the crew was confirmed to be safe, according to the monitoring group.
The UAE reported that its air defense systems were intercepting Iranian attacks early on Wednesday. Officials previously stated that Iranian strikes in the nation had resulted in six fatalities and 122 injuries.
In the meantime, Bahrain sounded warning sirens following the detection of an impending Iranian assault. This alert was issued a day after an attack struck a residential building in Manama, the capital, resulting in the death of a 29-year-old woman and injuring eight more individuals.