Leaders Call For Dialogue As Conflict Continues To Escalate
March 19, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia. Both leaders expressed concern over the ongoing conflict and stressed the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace. Modi later said the two countries would remain closely engaged and coordinate efforts to stabilise the region.
The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran carried out attacks on US and Israeli military bases across Gulf nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, triggering a wider regional crisis.
In recent days, the conflict has intensified with continuous attacks and counter-attacks, raising fears of further escalation. Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging with global leaders and has spoken to several heads of state from West Asia, signalling India’s diplomatic push to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region.