New Delhi, April 21 -- Amid escalating concern in West Asia as the deadline for the ceasefire between the US and Iran looms, India has intensified engagement with Gulf countries focusing on energy security, welfare of the Indian diaspora, and other issues of mutual interest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.

Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the outreach has been undertaken under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with multiple high-level visits to key Gulf nations in recent days.

He noted that the National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar travelled to the United Arab Emirates, and the Union Petroleum Mini...