New Delhi, Sept 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, expressing India’s “deep concern” over the recent attacks in Doha and reaffirming New Delhi’s support for regional peace, stability and dialogue.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi said, “Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1965787289226788992
India’s Position
Modi’s remarks mark one of the strongest statements by India on the unfolding crisis in the Gulf, as Israeli air strikes targeted Hamas’s political leadership in Doha earlier this week. Stressing dialogue and diplomacy, India aligned its position with calls to prevent further escalation while underscoring its opposition to terrorism.
The Prime Minister also praised Qatar’s mediation efforts, particularly in Gaza, where Doha has played a central role in brokering ceasefires and negotiating hostage releases. Sheikh Tamim thanked Modi for India’s solidarity and the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership, agreeing to enhance cooperation across trade, energy, and security sectors.
Context: Israeli Strikes in Doha
The unprecedented Israeli strikes in the Qatari capital came in retaliation for a Hamas-claimed shooting in Jerusalem that killed six people. Hamas confirmed that five of its members, including the son of senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, were killed in the operation. Qatar said one of its own security personnel was also killed, condemning the attack as “state terrorism” and “treachery.”
The development marks a sharp escalation in the conflict, as it directly hit Qatari territory for the first time. Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, defended the operation in a television interview, saying, “If we didn’t get them this time, we’ll get them the next time.”
Regional and Global Response
The Doha strikes have sparked an unusual flurry of diplomatic activity in the Gulf. Leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Saudi Arabia rushed to Qatar in unannounced visits to express solidarity. Meanwhile, the European Commission indicated it may propose sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers, signaling a shift in European sentiment against Israel’s conduct in the conflict.
Qatar, long viewed as a mediator in regional disputes, now finds itself directly targeted in the hostilities. Its leadership has vowed not to back down from its role in facilitating dialogue, particularly over Gaza, even as tensions rise.
Strategic Partnership with India
For India, the crisis comes at a delicate time. Qatar is a key energy partner, supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India, and also hosts a large Indian expatriate community. The reaffirmation of the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership during Modi’s conversation with Sheikh Tamim reflects New Delhi’s intent to balance its economic, security and geopolitical interests in the region.
Officials said both sides agreed to intensify cooperation in energy, infrastructure and technology, while maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues.
Looking Ahead
With the conflict spilling beyond traditional fault lines and directly impacting Gulf states, India’s calibrated response highlights its attempt to support peace without getting drawn into the crossfire of competing regional and global powers. Modi’s outreach to Qatar signals New Delhi’s backing for dialogue-led solutions and its sensitivity to the sovereignty of partner states in West Asia.
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