In phone call with PM Modi, Iran proposes security framework of West Asian nations for peace in region

In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he conveyed his wishes for peace, stability, and prosperity in West Asia during the festive season, as the tensions continue, with the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveying Eid and Nowruz greetings while discussing the current situation in West Asia. 

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PM Modi also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, noting that the actions pose a threat to regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.

"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. Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the call.

"Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. Appreciated Iran's continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran," Prime Minister Modi added.

What did PM Modi and Iranian President discuss on call? 

Sharing the details of the telephone conversation between Iranian President Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Modi, the Embassy of Iran in India, informed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional and international developments amid ongoing tensions in West Asia. 

"Dr. Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a telephone conversation on Saturday, 21 March 2026, with Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, during which they discussed and exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments in light of the continued military aggressions by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran," the post read. 

"Dr. President, outlining the dimensions of the aggression, unlawful attacks, and crimes committed by the U.S and the Zionist regime, emphasized that Iran did not initiate the war. He stated that the aggressor, without any justification, logic, or legal basis, launched military attacks against Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations, resulting in the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, senior military commanders, and a number of defenseless civilians, including innocent schoolchildren, as well as targeting public infrastructure," it added. 

The Embassy further elaborated, "He also dismissed U.S. allegations portraying Iran as a source of instability and tension in the region, asserting instead that 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."

"The President reiterated Iran’s consistent readiness to engage in both telephone and in-person dialogues with world leaders, including on the sidelines of the UN, for the purpose of verification and acceptance of oversight over its peaceful nuclear activities. He described the actions of the U.S and the Israel against Iran as profoundly inhumane and unethical, and strongly condemned them," it added. 

According to the Embassy's post, Iranian President also proposed the establishment of a regional security framework composed of countries of West Asia, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region through regional cooperation without foreign interference.

"He further underscored that a prerequisite for ending the war and conflict in the region is the immediate cessation of aggressions by the U.S. and Israel, along with guarantees against their recurrence in the future," the post further clarified. 

"Referring to India’s rotating presidency of BRICS, Pezeshkian called for the group to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran and in safeguarding regional and international peace and stability," the post said. 

Earlier, both leaders had spoken on March 12 when Prime Minister Modi had conveyed his concern over the escalating tensions in the region, pointing to the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure. He had also reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. 

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi have also held several conversations over the past few weeks since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28. 

(with IANS inputs)