India expresses solidarity with UAE after Iranian missile and drone attacks; PM Modi emphasizes regional stability and Indian community safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed amid escalating Gulf tensions following Iranian strikes (Photo: X)
Israel-Iran Tensions: After a series of Iranian missiles and drone attacks that have been directed to major cities, airports and civilian targets, India has come out strongly in support of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Prime minister Narendra Modi had a direct phone conversation with the UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in the phone call he assured the president of supporting the region, de-escalation and the safety of the Indians in the Gulf.
In an X statement, PM Modi said: “Vigorously criticized the UAE attacks and offered condolences over loss of lives. In these trying times, India is in full support of the UAE. He also credited President Nahyan in keeping the Indians living in the UAE safe and the years of association between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi.
Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026
Thanked him for taking care of the Indian…
In response to the US-Israel attacks on Tehran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran fired 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones at the UAE, the greatest ever recorded in the history of the Middle East. The UAE defenses intercepted 132 missiles and 195 drones and there were some that hit the sea or brought minor damage through debris. The attacks claimed three lives of people, 58 others were injured including an Indian national and fires were set on landmarks such as The Palm and Burj Al Arab.
Later on the Iranian onslaught came after the U.S.-Israel airstrikes, dubbed Operation Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, against Iranian leadership, military bases, government and alleged nuclear installations in Tehran. The attacks killed Khamenei and a number of top officials, increasing tension in the region and leading to a response to the allies of the U.S. in the Gulf.
Dubai international Airport, Abu Dhabi airport, and the principal airport in Kuwait were hit. Two civilians were injured by falling drone debris in Dubai, and fires and damaged buildings were reported at high profile locations. The UAE Ministry of Defence also stressed on the efficiency of its missile defense, saying 506 of all 541 drones and 152 of all 165 ballistic missiles were downed.
The prompt reaction of India highlights the importance of regional security to the state as well as the preservation of its diaspora. New Delhi is also liaising quite well with the UAE authorities using diplomatic means to ensure that the Indian affected are accorded medical attention and that peaceful resolution and de-escalation in the Gulf is achieved. Modi once again asserted that he supports the region in terms of stability, security and peace with the tension expected to be high.
