India’s external affairs minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on March 19, 2026, as both countries stepped up diplomatic coordination amid a surge in missile and drone activity linked to Iran across West Asia. The ministers assessed immediate security risks and the broader regional implications of the escalating conflict.
Sharing details of the conversation, Jaishankar said they “discussed the evolving situation” and exchanged views on its wider impact. Neither side released specific outcomes, but the exchange underscored a shared priority of preventing further escalation.
The talks come as the UAE has faced repeated aerial threats since the conflict intensified, with its air-defence systems intercepting multiple projectiles and reports of explosions, intercepted drones and falling debris affecting some civilian areas. Such incidents have raised concerns about a possible spillover that could draw in neighbouring states and disrupt regional stability.
India has been engaging multiple stakeholders across West Asia as tensions rise. Jaishankar has held a series of discussions with counterparts in the region, signalling New Delhi’s intent to remain closely involved in developments that could affect energy supplies, shipping lanes and the safety of Indian nationals.
The call with the UAE also reflects India’s balancing of strategic interests — safeguarding citizens and key maritime routes while urging restraint. With missile threats continuing and uncertainty over vital energy corridors, both diplomatic dialogue and practical measures to protect trade and people have emerged as key tools for managing the crisis.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/indias-eam-jaishankar-speaks-with-uae-fm-as-tensions-rise-over-iran-strikes-in-west-asia-13991082.html
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Publish Date: 2026-03-19 10:52:00
