India stands in solidarity: Modi speaks to UAE President amid attack on Gulf country

Following the conversation, Modi said he conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives and reiterated New Delhi’s support for peace and stability in the region.

“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,” Modi wrote on X.

He added that India supports de-escalation and efforts aimed at ensuring regional peace, security and stability. The Prime Minister also thanked the UAE leadership for ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community residing in the country.

Meanwhile, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that three people were killed and 58 others sustained minor injuries after Iran launched retaliatory attacks following joint military operations by Israel and the United States that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a statement posted on X, the Ministry said a total of 541 Iranian drones were detected, of which 506 were intercepted and destroyed, while 35 fell within the country, causing material damage.

The fatalities included nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The injured comprised individuals of Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese and Afghan nationalities.

The Ministry further stated that the UAE Air Force and Air Defence Forces have so far intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 drones since the start of the Iranian assault.

On the second day of the attack, air defence systems destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight missiles reportedly fell into the sea. Authorities also intercepted two cruise missiles and 311 drones, though 21 drones struck civilian targets.

The Ministry affirmed that the UAE’s air defence systems remain fully capable of countering a wide range of aerial threats.