Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, conveying Eid and Nowruz greetings while pressing India’s concerns about regional stability, maritime access, and the safety of Indian nationals in Iran.
“We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia,” Modi wrote on X after the call.
It was their second conversation since the war began on February 28 the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes that targeted Iran’s top leadership and nuclear and strategic facilities, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of operations.
Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, calling them a threat to both regional stability and global supply chains. He also reiterated India’s position on freedom of navigation, specifically calling for shipping lanes to remain “open and secure.”
The Strait of Hormuz is at the center of New Delhi’s concern. Iran struck US bases across the Gulf in retaliation for the strikes and effectively shut down the strait a chokepoint that handles roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply and over half of India’s energy imports. More than 20 Indian vessels are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf with movement through the strait severely restricted.
Also Read:Iran War : Two More Indian LPG Tankers Prepare To Sail Through Strait Of Hormuz
Against that backdrop, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi managed a rare successful passage through the strait last week, carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG. Modi also acknowledged Tehran’s support for the safety of Indian nationals in Iran, according to his post.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister had spoken with Pezeshkian raising alarm over the deteriorating regional situation flagging concerns about rising tensions, civilian casualties, and damage to critical infrastructure.
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