Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the ongoing war in West Asia. PM Modi said he expressed deep concern over escalating hostilities and the loss of civilian lives.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remained India’s top priority.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," Modi said on X.
“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," he added.
Pezeshkian briefed Prime Minister Modi on the current situation in Iran and shared his perspective on recent developments in the region. The two leaders have agreed to stay in touch, according to an official statement.
This marks the first direct communication between the leaders of India and Iran after the war broke out on February 28. The Indian leadership has repeatedly asserted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve tensions in West Asia, following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks on the Gulf, which houses a major chunk of the Indian diaspora.
PM Modi’s conversation with Pezeshkian came after India co-sponsored a resolution in the United Nations Security Council condemning attacks by Iran against Gulf countries and Jordan.
The resolution condemned what it described as “egregious" attacks by Iran against countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan. It also demanded the immediate cessation of all attacks by Tehran and denounced threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, which has choked global energy supplies and driven up oil and gas prices.
However, Iran said it allowed India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic talks between the two countries, as New Delhi sought to ensure the safe movement of crude oil and natural gas shipments through the vital waterway.
Indian-flagged tankers Pushpak and Parimal were able to transit the strait safely even as vessels linked to the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions amid the ongoing regional conflict, people familiar with the matter said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei adopted a defiant stance in his first remarks since the US-Israeli strikes killed his father, wife and sister. Khamenei said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, and attacks on US bases in other Gulf countries will continue.
Source: News18