New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian India’s “deep concern” over Iran’s conflict with Israel and called for immediate de-escalation of the situation through “dialogue and diplomacy”.
The phone conversation initiated by Pezeshkian came hours after the US bombed three major nuclear sites in Iran.
In a social media post, Modi said he expressed “deep concern” at the recent escalations and that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward for the early restoration of regional peace.
“We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations,” Modi said.
“Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” the Prime Minister said.
President Pezeshkian briefed PM Modi in detail and shared his perspective on the current situation in the region, especially the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
The US attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities has triggered fears of a wider regional conflict, with many leading countries and blocs calling for restraint.
The PMO said Modi conveyed to the Iranian President that India was on the side of peace and humanity.
“In this context, the Prime Minister emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. He reiterated India’s support for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” it said in a statement.
Modi thanked Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for the safe return and repatriation of the Indian community, it said.
The two leaders reiterated the shared commitment to continue to work for strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade and economic cooperation, science and technology and people-to-people ties, the PMO said. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
