Amid West Asia tensions, Modi calls Iran President, pushes for safe sea routes

Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Iranrsquos President Masoud Pezeshkian conveying Eid and Nowruz greetings and discussing the prevailing security situation in the West Asia regionDuring the conversation PM Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region and stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation while ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secureThis was PM Modirsquos second phone call with the Iranian President in the last 10 daysldquoSpoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace stability and prosperity to West Asia Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chainsrdquo PM Modi posted on X after the callldquoReiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure Appreciated Iranrsquos continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iranrdquo PM Modi addedThe two leaders had earlier spoken on March 12 when PM Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region pointing to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure He had also reiterated Indiarsquos consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacyWest Asia conflict Modi underscores uninterrupted energy and trade flows in talks with PezeshkianPM Modi had highlighted the importance of unhindered transit of goods and energy noting that any disruption could have farreaching consequences for Indiarsquos economy and regional stabilityPezeshkian had then briefed PM Modi on the situation in Iran and shared his perspective on recent developments in the regionFollowing the talks between the two leaders Iran allowed Indiaflagged tankers to pass through the Strait of HormuzExternal Affairs Minister EAM S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi have also held several conversations over the past few weeks since the conflict began on February 28Besides reviewing the security situation in the region the ministers have discussed shipping safety bilateral cooperation and BRICSrelated matters where India is the current chair and Iran is a memberEarlier this week Finnish President Alexander Stubb had said India could play an important diplomatic role in easing tensions between the United States and IranIn an interview with Bloomberg Stubb said global efforts should focus on stopping hostilities and opening channels for dialogue while noting that India could potentially contribute to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensionsldquoWe need a ceasefire Irsquom wondering if India can actually get involved We saw Foreign Minister Jaishankar call for a ceasefire to calm things downrdquo he saidWith IANS inputs