Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveying greetings on the occasion of Eid and Nowruz while discussing the evolving situation in West Asia.
In a statement, Modi said, “Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.” Track US-Iran war LIVE updates
During the conversation, the Prime Minister flagged concerns over recent attacks targeting key infrastructure in the region, saying he “condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”
He also stressed the need to ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade, adding that he “reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.”
This marks the second telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister and Iran’s President since the onset of the conflict in West Asia on February 28.
Earlier this month, Modi had said he spoke to Pezeshkian to discuss the “serious situation in the region”, during which he “expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.”
The PM had also raised the safety and security of Indian nationals and the “need for unhindered transit of goods and energy”, noting that these remain India’s “top priorities”.
The ministry of external affairs has also said that the Indian leadership remains in continuous engagement with countries in the Gulf region amid the ongoing tensions. External affairs minister S Jaishankar has also held multiple conversations with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the escalating situation.
Shipping concerns amid Hormuz disruption
The Prime Minister’s concerns on keeping shipping lanes secure comes as more than 20 Indian vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf region, with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz largely disrupted.
In a rare development last week, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, successfully transited the strait.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar has said India does not have a “blanket arrangement” with Iran for the passage of Indian-flagged vessels, noting that “every ship movement is an individual happening.”
Speaking to the Financial Times in Brussels, he said discussions with Tehran on ensuring safe passage remain “ongoing” and are “yielding results,” citing the recent movement of the two gas tankers as an example of diplomatic efforts facilitating transit through the crucial waterway.
Iran President urges BRICS interference
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that any path to resolving the ongoing conflict in West Asia hinges on the United States and Israel first ending their military actions, while also pitching for a larger role for BRICS in stabilising the region.
Pointing to India’s rotating presidency of BRICS, he urged the grouping to play an “independent role in halting aggression against Iran and in safeguarding regional and global stability.”
During the phone conversation, Pezeshkian said the talks spanned bilateral ties as well as “regional and international developments” against the backdrop of what he termed continued military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
