New Delhi, Mar 2: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Sunday to assess the evolving security situation in West Asia. The meeting, held at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister's official residence in New Delhi, was focused on the recent air strikes in Iran and the resulting escalation of tensions across the region.

According to an official release, the CCS was briefed on the air strikes carried out in Iran on 28 February, followed by escalating attacks in multiple Gulf countries. The Committee expressed deep concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in West Asia.

In addition to the threat to Indian nationals, the CCS reviewed the challenges faced by Indian travellers passing through the region, as well as students who are due to appear for upcoming examinations. The broader implications of the crisis, including regional security risks and potential disruptions to economic and commercial activities, were also discussed.

The Committee directed all relevant departments to take necessary steps to assist affected Indian nationals and ensure their safety. The CCS emphasized the urgent need for the cessation of hostilities and the resumption of dialogue and diplomacy to address the crisis.

Prime Minister Modi, who returned to Delhi after a two-day visit to Puducherry and Madurai for National Democratic Alliance (NDA) election campaign events, also inaugurated key infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu. These included improvements in national highways and railways aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth in the region.

The CCS meeting came in the wake of coordinated airstrikes by Israel and the US across several Iranian cities, targeting Iranian military command centres, missile sites, air-defence systems, and key regime infrastructure. The strikes resulted in the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials. Tehran and other major cities in Iran saw large explosions, exacerbating the situation.

In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and regional allies, including Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, further intensifying the conflict in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump stated that the strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.