Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as the two leaders discussed the escalating situation in West Asia and its impact on maritime trade.
During their meeting in New Delhi, Modi “reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”, the Ministry of External Affairs said.
“He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers,” the ministry said.
The meeting took place ahead of the BRICS leaders' summit and against the backdrop of renewed US-Iran hostilities after a pause in fighting through much of August. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the region and affected energy supplies.
India has been particularly concerned about the safety of its nationals and seafarers amid attacks on vessels in the region. At least 10 Indians have been killed in attacks linked to the conflict, according to Reuters.
Modi and Pezeshkian also attended the BRICS Business Forum earlier on Friday. Addressing the gathering, Modi said global trade could progress only “if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe”.
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, called on BRICS countries to create an environment where no country could disrupt the “legitimate trade” of others.
“The world is at one of its most complex moments today. The increasing use of economic instruments to exert economic pressure has jeopardized the legitimate trade of other countries,” the Iranian president said.
The meeting was the second between Modi and Pezeshkian in less than two weeks. They last spoke on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where Pezeshkian told Modi that Tehran wanted a negotiated solution to its conflict with the US.
The latest talks also come as India seeks to maintain relations with Iran while preserving its ties with Israel, the US and Gulf Arab states. New Delhi has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in the region.
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