New Delhi (India) March 21:Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, coinciding with the celebrations of Eid and the Persian New Year, Nowruz.
During their discussion, Modi expressed growing concerns about the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz , a vital energy route linking the Persian Gulf to India. This marks the second conversation between the two leaders in just over a week.
PM Condemns Middle East Attacks
In a post on X, Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East, highlighting how these hostilities threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.
“Spoke with President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Id and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia. Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure,” said Modi.
Iran Blames Israel-US
President Pezeshkian responded by emphasizing India's current presidency of the BRICS grouping, suggesting that India could play an independent role in urging the United States and Israel to cease their aggressive actions. He asserted that stopping the conflict requires an immediate cessation of aggressions from both the U.S. and Israel .
Pezeshkian also dismissed claims that Iran is a source of instability and tension in the region. He said, “It is Israel that carries out attacks and assassinations in Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and elsewhere, justifying such actions under the pretext of maintaining security and peace, while in reality fueling unrest and conflict across the region.”
Jaishankar Discusses Global Tensions
Shortly after their exchange, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss the evolving situation and its implications for the broader region.
“Our conversation was on the latest developments regarding the conflict. And its implications for the larger region,” said Mr. Jaishankar.
6 Indians Dead in Conflict
India remains deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens, particularly those working in the Gulf states, where millions of Indian expatriates live and work. Recently, an Indian man lost his life in Riyadh due to an Iranian missile strike, bringing the total number of Indian fatalities in the conflict to six, with one individual still unaccounted for.
The Indian government has reiterated its stance that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, urging all parties involved to act with decency.