Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 22: Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and fears of disruption to global energy supplies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterating the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and keep key shipping routes open and secure.
This marks Modi’s second interaction with Pezeshkian since the outbreak of military hostilities in the region. In a post on X, Modi also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure, stating that such actions threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.
While India has strongly criticised violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf Cooperation Council countries—vital for its energy security and diaspora—it has stopped short of directly condemning the US-Israel strikes on Iran. However, during his earlier conversation, Modi had conveyed that India considers Iran a friend.
During the latest exchange, Pezeshkian urged India, as the current BRICS chair, to play an “independent role” in halting US-Israel hostilities. He stressed that any resolution would require an immediate end to aggression and firm guarantees against future attacks, according to an Iranian readout.
Separately, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss the evolving situation and its wider regional implications.
The conflict intensified sharply this week after Israel targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s largest LNG hubs. Modi also spoke to Qatar’s Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other GCC leaders, condemning attacks on energy infrastructure across the region.
Following the strike on its gas field, Iran reportedly targeted energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar. While condemning such attacks, Modi has refrained from naming any specific country.
On Saturday, Modi also extended Eid and Nowruz greetings to Pezeshkian, expressing hope that the festive season would bring peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia. He also thanked Iran for ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals in the region.