Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani over the telephone when he condemned the recent Israeli strike on Qatar.

Sharing details about the interaction, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: "PM Modi expressed deep concern over the attacks in Doha and condemned the violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar."

 PM Modi appreciated the role being played by Qatar in promoting regional peace and stability, including its mediation efforts in Gaza to achieve ceasefire and release of all hostages.

The Prime Minister reiterated support for the resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy and the need to avoid escalation.

He highlighted that India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

"Sheikh Tamim thanked Prime Minister Modi for the expression of solidarity with the people and the State of Qatar," the statement said.

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership and reiterated their commitment to advance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Following the interaction, Modi wrote on X: "Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha. India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation. India stands firmly in support of peace and stability in the region, and against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations."

Hamas reported that six people had been killed, including the son of one of its exiled leaders from the Gaza Strip – but added that its senior negotiators and top officials had all survived.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the attack had been Israel’s sole responsibility, although the White House Spokesperson said that the President of the United States had been informed in advance and directed his officials to alert Doha – but the message was conveyed too late to stop the attack.

President Donald Trump said in a social media post that bombing Qatar, a “sovereign nation and close ally” of the US, does not advance the goals of either Israel or the US.

‘Blatant violation’: Qatar

The Qatari Government condemned the attack as a “blatant violation of international law” and the Qatari Prime Minister said at a press conference that “there must be a response from the entire region to such barbaric actions.”

Qatar – alongside the US and Egypt – had brokered extensive efforts to end the Gaza war which began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas and other militants attacked settlements in southern Israel.