New Delhi, March 9, 2026 — In a striking display of confidence in India’s diplomatic stature amid the escalating Middle East crisis, Hussain Hassan Mirza, the United Arab Emirates’ first ambassador to India, has stated that a single phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the leaders of Israel and Iran could potentially resolve the ongoing conflict.
Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Ambassador Mirza emphasized PM Modi’s unique standing and personal relationships with key figures on both sides of the divide. “One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue. One phone call,” he asserted, highlighting the Prime Minister’s global respect and ability to facilitate dialogue between the warring parties.
The ambassador’s remarks come at a time when the region is gripped by intense hostilities. The conflict has seen wide-scale Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including Tehran and Isfahan, following earlier US-Israel joint operations that resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks, some of which have impacted Gulf territories, including parts of the UAE. Recent incidents include a drone strike near the US Consulate in Dubai that caused a massive fire, heightening fears of broader involvement.
Ambassador Mirza made it clear that the UAE has no intention of being drawn into the fray. “To be honest, I’m not sure why we are involved. There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this,” he said, stressing that his country will not permit its territory to be used by either Israel or Iran for military operations. He described the fighting as occurring “on our soil” but reiterated the UAE’s commitment to neutrality and protecting its sovereignty.
The comments underscore India’s balanced yet influential position in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi has maintained strong ties with Israel through robust defense and technology partnerships, while also sustaining engagement with Iran via strategic projects like the Chabahar port. At the same time, India’s deep economic and diaspora links with the UAE—home to millions of Indian expatriates—have further strengthened its regional leverage.
In recent days, PM Modi has engaged in high-level diplomacy related to the crisis. He held a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning attacks on UAE territory, expressing solidarity, offering condolences for lives lost, and advocating for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions. Similar outreach has included discussions with Israeli leadership, where India urged an end to hostilities while prioritizing civilian safety.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has echoed this stance in Parliament, affirming that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward. He noted the government’s close monitoring of the situation, given the presence of millions of Indians in the Gulf, and assured efforts to assist those stranded or needing urgent evacuation.
While Ambassador Mirza’s suggestion of a single call from PM Modi ending the war is optimistic—and the deep-rooted issues involving nuclear concerns, proxy warfare, and international alliances make immediate resolution challenging—it reflects the high regard in which India’s leadership is held by key Gulf stakeholders. As the conflict continues to unfold, with thousands in Iran pledging allegiance to new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid ongoing strikes, calls for mediation and restraint are growing louder.
India has consistently advocated for peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia, positioning itself as a voice for de-escalation without explicitly aligning with any side in public statements. Whether such diplomatic interventions materialize remains to be seen, but the UAE envoy’s endorsement highlights the perceived weight of PM Modi’s personal diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
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