First signal from Delhi: PM tells MBZ 'strongly condemn' attack on UAE, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Modi condemned the attacks on the UAE and expressed condolences to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• India supports de-escalation, regional peace, security, and stability in the region.
• Indian expats constitute 35% of the UAE's population, forming the largest ethnic community.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to discuss the situation, attended by key ministers and officials.

Detailed Insights:

• India is navigating a complex diplomatic challenge due to its beliefs on sovereignty, relationship with Iran, domestic minority sensitivities, and partnership with the US.
• Oman is playing a key role in mediating between the US and Iran, with India's External Affairs Minister engaging with Oman's Foreign Minister.
• India's earlier statement expressed concern over developments in Iran and the region, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was critical of India's treatment of minorities, particularly after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 and the Delhi riots in 2020.
• Iran had previously assisted India at the UN Human Rights Commission in 1994 by blocking a consensus on Kashmir.
• Khamenei raised the issue of Kashmir in 2019 after the revocation of its special status under Article 370.
• India is mindful of the sensitivities of the Shia community in the country regarding its response to the situation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• De-escalation: The process of reducing tension or conflict.
• Sovereignty: Supreme power or authority; the right to govern.
• Territorial Integrity: The principle that a state has the right to defend its borders from external aggression.