New Delhi, India March 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, to review the rapidly escalating situation in West Asia.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he reiterated India’s strong condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure and underlined the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation amid rising tensions.
“Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussed 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 lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” PM Modi said.
The conversation marks the latest in New Delhi’s sustained diplomatic outreach since the conflict widened, involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday claimed it had struck two alleged US Army “hideouts” in Dubai, according to Iranian state media outlet Fars News Agency. A spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya alleged that over 500 US military personnel—around 400 in one site and 100 in another—were present at these locations after earlier Iranian strikes on American bases in the region.
The spokesperson further claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out “precise missile and drone strikes,” inflicting heavy casualties. He added that the US “must have fully understood that the region will turn into a graveyard for American soldiers,” repeating Tehran’s long-standing rhetoric against Washington.
In a parallel development, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, CBS reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions. The deployment may include a command component and ground forces, with the US also weighing a potential ground operation on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island. Iranian forces have reportedly begun laying mines and moving reinforcements to the area.
The situation in West Asia remains highly volatile, with global energy markets and maritime routes facing increasing risks as tensions escalate.
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