New Delhi, Mar 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate telephonic conversations with the leaders of Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia, condemning violations of their sovereignty and underscoring the need for dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional peace and stability.

During his talks with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Amir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, PM Modi conveyed Indiaís solidarity and appreciated the continued support extended by the three Gulf nations to the Indian community residing there.

PM Modi spoke with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tarik and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia.

During the conversation, the PM condemned the violation of Omanís sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two leaders agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement was essential for the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability.

The PM also deeply appreciated Omanís continued support to the Indian community.

PM Modi wrote on X: ìSpoke with His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Condemned the violation of Omanís sovereignty and territorial integrity. We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential for earliest restoration of regional peace and stability. Deeply appreciated Omanís continued support to the Indian community. @SultanHaithamb1.î

PM Modi also had a productive telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.

During the conversation, the PM conveyed that India condemns the violation of Kuwaitís sovereignty and territorial integrity and stands with the people of Kuwait in this difficult hour.

The two leaders underscored the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring regional peace and stability.

ThebPM also appreciated the Kuwaiti leadershipís continued support in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait.

PM Modi said in a X post: ìHad a productive telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Kuwait, H.H. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. India condemns violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and stands with its people in this difficult hour. We underscored the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring regional peace and stability. Appreciated the Kuwaiti leadershipís continued support to ensure safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait.î

PM Modi also spoke with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

During the conversation, the PM conveyed that India stands firmly in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemns any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The two leaders emphasised the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.

The PM also conveyed his appreciation for the continued support and care extended by the Qatari leadership to the Indian community in Qatar during this challenging time.

PM Modi wrote on X: ìSpoke with my brother, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar. We stand firmly in solidarity with Qatar and strongly condemn any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. I also conveyed my appreciation for his continued support and care for the Indian community in Qatar during this challenging time. @TamimBinHamad.î

New Delhi, Mar 3: China has removed three retired senior military officers from a top political advisory body just days before its biggest annual political meetings, the BBC has reported. State media said the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) voted to expel former generals Han Weiguo, Gao Jin and Liu Lei. No official reason was given for the move.

The removals come amid a renewed wave of purges within China’s military leadership. President Xi Jinping has led a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign since taking power in 2012. While the campaign has targeted many officials, critics say it has also been used to sideline political rivals.

The decision was announced just before the start of the annual “Two Sessions” meetings in Beijing, where around 3,000 delegates from the CPPCC and the National People’s Congress gather for about a week of policy discussions. Members typically serve five-year terms ending in 2028, making these mid-term removals unusual.

Srinagar, Mar 02: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Tuesday expressed grave concern following fresh airstrikes in the city of Urmia in northwestern Iran, which have triggered widespread panic and fear among Indian students studying there.

In a statement issued, National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the Association has been in direct communication with several Kashmiri students enrolled at Urmia University. According to the students, the latest strike occurred approximately 300 meters from their boys’ dormitories, and the force of the explosion was so intense that it shook the entire building, causing alarm and deep distress.

“The situation on the ground is extremely tense and volatile. Students are frightened, anxious, and deeply distressed. They have informed us that fighter jets can be heard almost every hour, creating an atmosphere of constant fear and uncertainty,” Khuehami said.

He further noted that several residents in nearby neighbourhoods have begun leaving the city and moving towards safer outskirts amid fears of further escalation. The prevailing environment in Urmia is marked by panic, confusion, and mounting psychological strain particularly among foreign students who are far away from their families.

The ongoing airstrikes have significantly intensified anxiety among students, many of whom report severe emotional distress and uncertainty regarding their safety. Parents back home are equally anxious as the security situation continues to deteriorate.

In view of the rapidly worsening circumstances, the Association has urged External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to take immediate and decisive measures to facilitate the relocation of Indian students, particularly those from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, to safer locations until a full-fledged evacuation operation is formally launched.

JKSA has also called upon the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Embassy of India in Tehran to urgently assess the ground situation and initiate structured relocation measures.

The Association has requested that students be shifted to safer cities within Iran at the earliest, pending full-scale evacuation once airspace conditions permit. Considering Armenia’s geographical proximity to Urmia, JKSA has further urged the Government of India to explore the possibility of facilitating emergency transit visas or coordinated safe-passage arrangements.

Khuehami emphasised that swift, structured, and proactive intervention at this critical juncture can help avert a potential humanitarian crisis and provide much-needed reassurance to anxious families.

“Timely relocation, clear communication, and contingency planning are essential to safeguard the physical safety and psychological well-being of these young students who find themselves caught in an increasingly volatile conflict environment,” he added.