'India stands in solidarity': PM Modi speaks to UAE president

Modi also thanked the UAE president for taking care of the Indian community living in the Gulf nation, and said New Delhi supports de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability.

New Delhi: Amid tension in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the attacks on the UAE and condoling the loss of lives due to them.

"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 [sic]," the PM posted on X. 

"Thanked him for taking care of the Indian community living in the UAE. We support de-escalation, regional peace, security and stability," he added. 

According to the Union Ministry of Defence, the UAE air force and air defence systems had detected and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

Officials confirmed three deaths and 58 minor injuries resulting from debris fall, alongside material damage to several civilian properties.

One of the casualties is reportedly an Indian national, something that the Indian Embassy in the UAE has confirmed.

With flight services disrupted due to the military escalation, hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai and other key hub airports, with many of them taking to social media to appeal to the Indian government for assistance.

There are around 10,000 Indian citizens who live, study, and work in Iran, while over 40,000 live in Israel. The number of Indians who live in the Gulf and West Asia is about 90 lakh.