PM Modi, Iran President Discuss Peace Amid Escalating West Asia Tensions

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian early Friday, discussing the serious situation in the region and stressing the need for peace and diplomacy.

During the call, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions. He also expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities, loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said the safety and security of Indian nationals in the region, along with the unhindered transit of goods and energy supplies, remain India’s top priorities.

Modi emphasised that India would make every effort to play a constructive role in promoting diplomacy, stating that further escalation of conflict would not be in the interest of any party.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Prime Minister also expressed regret over the outbreak of war during the holy month of Ramadan and hoped that Nowruz would bring peace, stability and tranquility to the region.

Pezeshkian appreciated the support and sympathy shown by the government and people of India, noting that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with India as a friendly nation.

Despite attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran’s infrastructure, the Iranian President said Tehran remains committed to expanding cooperation with India and other friendly countries through international platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He also stressed the need for an active and constructive role by BRICS in safeguarding peace, stability and security in the region.

Pezeshkian praised India’s balanced and constructive position on the international stage and its efforts to reduce tensions. He claimed that Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel during ongoing nuclear talks, describing the strikes as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

The Iranian President said the attacks led to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians, including more than 168 schoolchildren in Minab.

Pezeshkian asserted that Iran did not initiate the war and had no intention of continuing it, adding that Iran’s strikes on US bases in the region were carried out in self-defence.

Condemning the killings of Iranian civilians as “state terrorism,” he said Iran is not interested in creating insecurity in the region.