New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation and stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation and secure shipping routes.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he spoke with the Saudi leadership on regional developments. He also reiterated India’s strong condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure in the region.
Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.
We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2026
Focus on maritime security
Both leaders agreed on the importance of keeping shipping lanes open and secure, especially as tensions continue to affect key maritime routes.
The issue has gained urgency as the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, has seen major disruptions due to the ongoing war.
Outreach to global leaders
Earlier this week, PM Modi also spoke to US President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and underlined the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
This marked their first conversation since the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28.
Iran’s conditional stance on Hormuz
The conflict has severely affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has said that “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the waterway if they coordinate with its authorities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said tankers from five “friendly nations” including India would be allowed safe passage. At the same time, he warned that ships linked to countries seen as hostile would face restrictions.
Tankers bound for India cross strait
Amid these tensions, two liquefied petroleum gas tankers, BW Elm and BW Tyr, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on their way to India. Ship tracking data from LSEG and Kpler confirmed the movement.