New Delhi : In the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level telephonic conversation with the newly elected President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on Sunday. The 30-minute call, described by sources as “frank and constructive,” marks India’s growing diplomatic outreach in West Asia amid renewed conflict and humanitarian concerns.
The Iranian President, who assumed office earlier this month, provided a detailed overview of the regional situation and his government’s perspective on the ongoing confrontation between Tehran and Tel Aviv, which has already seen a spate of missile exchanges, drone strikes, and civilian displacement in recent weeks.
India Advocates for Peaceful Resolution
During the call, Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s deep concern over the intensifying hostilities, noting the far-reaching impact such conflicts could have—not just for the nations involved, but for global peace and economic stability.
“India stands on the side of peace and humanity,” PM Modi said, as per a release by the Prime Minister’s Office. “We strongly urge all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. De-escalation is the need of the hour.”
The Indian Prime Minister emphasized that the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) has long guided India’s foreign policy, and in that spirit, the country supports efforts toward restoring peace, regional stability, and mutual coexistence in West Asia.
India has consistently maintained cordial and strategically important relations with both Iran and Israel, and experts note that New Delhi’s call for balance and non-violence carries weight among both camps.
Repatriation of Indian Citizens
Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to thank President Pezeshkian for the support extended by the Iranian authorities in ensuring the safety and ongoing repatriation of Indian nationals from conflict zones in Iran. The issue has gained urgency in recent days, particularly after Operation Sindhu was launched to evacuate Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan citizens stranded in Iran following the outbreak of hostilities.
Reports suggest that Indian diplomatic missions in Tehran and Bandar Abbas have already facilitated the safe return of several hundred Indians, with more being coordinated through emergency helplines and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Deepening Bilateral Ties
Beyond the immediate regional security concerns, the two leaders also used the conversation to reaffirm their mutual commitment to strengthening India–Iran relations, particularly in areas like energy cooperation, Chabahar Port development, bilateral trade, technology exchange, and cultural partnerships.
President Pezeshkian conveyed his appreciation for India’s long-standing engagement with Iran and expressed his desire to deepen strategic and economic cooperation under his presidency. He welcomed Indian investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors, highlighting India’s role as a key Asian power and a trusted partner.
The two leaders also agreed to facilitate more people-to-people contact, joint research programs, and business forums in the coming months, once regional stability is restored.
Strategic Timing and Global Optics
This diplomatic exchange comes at a time when West Asia is at a critical juncture, with growing fears of a full-scale war erupting in the region. For India, which imports a significant share of its oil from the Middle East and maintains a diaspora of over 9 million in the Gulf, peace and security in the region are not just moral concerns but strategic imperatives.
The conversation between PM Modi and President Pezeshkian also reflects India’s balancing act in international diplomacy, where New Delhi seeks to preserve its strategic autonomy while playing the role of a global peace advocate.
Conclusion
As the region watches closely, the Modi–Pezeshkian call sets a diplomatic tone that prioritizes de-escalation, humanitarian concerns, and pragmatic cooperation over ideological divides. With Iran’s new leadership open to dialogue and India positioned as a bridge between West and East, this high-level conversation could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of regional diplomacy.
Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the weeks ahead, as the situation continues to evolve.
For more details, check press release on MEA website.
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