PM Modi dials Iranian President Pezeshkian: Urges diplomacy amid West Asia’s ‘deadliest week’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level telephone conversation with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, expressing "deep concern" over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in West Asia.
The dialogue occurs during a period of unprecedented regional volatility, marked by the ongoing 13-day conflict that has claimed the lives of over 1,200 people in Iran, including the nation's former Supreme Leader. During the call, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the human cost of the hostilities, specifically citing the loss of civilian lives and the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure.
Key Priorities for India
The Prime Minister outlined a clear set of strategic and humanitarian priorities for New Delhi as the conflict threatens to spill over into global trade corridors:
- Safety of Nationals: With nearly 10 million Indian citizens living and working across the Gulf region, and another 9,000 currently in Iran, their security remains India’s foremost concern.
- Energy Security: Modi emphasised the necessity for the unhindered transit of goods and energy. This follows recent mine-laying activities and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint vital for India, which imports approximately 89% of its crude oil.
- Regional Stability: Reiterating that India stands "on the side of peace and humanity," the Prime Minister urged all parties to return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional peace.
Economic and Strategic Context
The conflict has already strained the Indian economy; the rupee hit record lows earlier this week, and global Brent crude prices have surged past $115 per barrel amid fears of a total shutdown of Gulf exports.
"Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy," the Prime Minister stated in a post on X following the discussion.