Overview: On 1 March 2026 , Narendra Modi spoke with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , condemning the recent missile attacks on the UAE and expressing India’s solidarity with the Gulf nation. The conversation highlighted India’s concern for its expatriate community, support for de‑escalation, and the broader regional security dynamics following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Key Developments Modi publicly condemned the attacks on the UAE and thanked the Emirati president for safeguarding the Indian community in the Gulf. India reiterated its stance for de‑escalation , regional peace, security and stability. The UAE Defence Ministry reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles , destroying 152 and sinking 13 into the sea, along with two cruise missiles and 541 drones (506 shot down). Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a coordinated U.S.–Israeli airstrike on 28 February 2026 , prompting Iran to launch missile strikes across the UAE. Casualties in the UAE attacks include three fatalities and 58 injuries , among them an Indian national; the Indian Embassy is coordinating medical assistance. Important Facts The UAE’s interception effort involved advanced air‑defence systems capable of neutralising ballistic missiles , cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The high number of drones shot down (506) underscores the increasing reliance on UAVs in contemporary conflicts. Iran’s retaliation reflects a pattern of asymmetric response after leadership decapitation, raising concerns about spill‑over effects on neighbouring states and Indian nationals abroad. UPSC Relevance These events intersect with multiple GS papers: GS2 – Polity & International Relations: India‑UAE strategic partnership, diplomatic communication by the Prime Minister, and the impact of Iran‑Israel‑UAE dynamics on regional geopolitics. GS3 – Defence & Security: Use of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones; India’s stance on de‑escalation and security of its diaspora. GS4 – Ethics & Integrity: The moral imperative of protecting citizens abroad and upholding humanitarian concerns during conflicts. Way Forward India is likely to pursue the following diplomatic and strategic steps: Maintain close coordination with the UAE on intelligence sharing and crisis management to safeguard Indian workers. Engage multilaterally (e.g., through the Gulf Cooperation Council and UN) to promote de‑escalation and prevent further escalation of Iran‑UAE hostilities. Strengthen its own overseas consular infrastructure for rapid response during emergencies. Monitor the evolving security architecture in the Gulf, especially the deployment of advanced missile defence systems, to assess implications for India’s maritime and energy interests.