{"id":130878,"date":"2026-03-21T19:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T22:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shipping.einnews.com\/article\/900970106"},"modified":"2026-03-21T19:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T22:44:13","slug":"shipping-lanes-must-remain-open-secure-pm-modi-speaks-with-iran-president-second-call-since-war-began","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new7.shop\/zerocostfreehost\/index.php\/2026\/03\/21\/shipping-lanes-must-remain-open-secure-pm-modi-speaks-with-iran-president-second-call-since-war-began\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Shipping lanes must remain open, secure’: PM Modi speaks with Iran President, second call since war began"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iran\u2019s President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveying greetings on the occasion of Eid and Nowruz while discussing the evolving situation in West Asia.<\/p>\n

\n
\"PM<\/div>
PM Narendra Modi spoke with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian amid West Asia tensions (File photos)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

In a statement, Modi said, \u201cSpoke 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.\u201d Track <\/i>US-Iran war LIVE updates<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

During the conversation, the Prime Minister flagged concerns over recent attacks targeting key infrastructure in the region, saying he \u201ccondemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.\u201d <\/p>\n

He also stressed the need to ensure the uninterrupted movement of global trade, adding that he \u201creiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

This marks the second telephonic conversation between the Prime Minister and Iran\u2019s President since the onset of the conflict in West Asia on February 28.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, Modi had said he spoke to Pezeshkian to discuss the \u201cserious situation in the region\u201d, during which he \u201cexpressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also Read |<\/strong> \u2018Inflation is coming\u2019: Rahul Gandhi flags rupee crash, lists 4 direct effects as he claims Modi govt has no strategy<\/a><\/p>\n

The PM had also raised the safety and security of Indian nationals and the \u201cneed for unhindered transit of goods and energy\u201d, noting that these remain India\u2019s \u201ctop priorities\u201d.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\n

Shipping concerns amid Hormuz disruption<\/h2>\n

The Prime Minister\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In a rare development last week, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers \u2013 Shivalik and Nanda Devi \u2013 carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, successfully transited the strait.<\/p>\n

External affairs minister S Jaishankar has said India does not have a \u201cblanket arrangement\u201d with Iran for the passage of Indian-flagged vessels, noting that \u201cevery ship movement is an individual happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Speaking to the Financial Times in Brussels, he said discussions with Tehran on ensuring safe passage remain \u201congoing\u201d and are \u201cyielding results,\u201d citing the recent movement of the two gas tankers as an example of diplomatic efforts facilitating transit through the crucial waterway.<\/p>\n

\n

Iran President urges BRICS interference<\/h2>\n

Iran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Pointing to India\u2019s rotating presidency of BRICS, he urged the grouping to play an \u201cindependent role in halting aggression against Iran and in safeguarding regional and global stability.” <\/p>\n

During the phone conversation, Pezeshkian said the talks spanned bilateral ties as well as \u201cregional and international developments\u201d against the backdrop of what he termed continued military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n