Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep concern over escalating tensions and loss of civilian lives in West Asia in his first phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the start of the Iran-US conflict last month.
Modi said on social media that he spoke to Pezeshkian to discuss the “dangerous situation in the region.”
He added: “He expressed his deep concern about the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as the damage to civilian infrastructure.”
Modi also raised the issue of safety and security of Indian citizens and the “need for unhindered transit of goods and energy” with Pezeshkian, and said these remained India’s “top priorities.”
He said he also reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability, and the country’s firm position on the need to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Indian government’s readout of the conversation stated that Pezeshkian briefed Modi on the current situation in Iran and shared his view on the recent developments in the region.
There are about 9,000 Indians in Iran, including students, professionals, sailors and pilgrims. The Indian authorities have already transferred hundreds of Indian citizens from Tehran to safer places. Dozens of Indians also left Iran for Azerbaijan and Armenia to get flights back to their homeland.
Since the start of the Iran-US conflict on February 28, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araqchi three times to discuss escalating tensions and steps needed to ensure the movement of commercial ships.
