Modi and Pezeshkian urge dialogue and regional cooperation as West Asia tensions rise, with India stressing peace, navigation rights and protection of civilians, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have called for intensified diplomatic efforts to restore peace and stability in West Asia, as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
The two leaders met on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the Shanghai Plus meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where they discussed bilateral relations as well as recent developments in the region.
Pezeshkian thanked India for its support and cooperation and stressed the need to use dialogue and regional cooperation to prevent further insecurity and conflict.
“We believe that the solution to the issues we face lies in dialogue and cooperation, and that all available capacities must be mobilised to prevent the spread of insecurity and conflict,” the Iranian Embassy in India quoted him as saying.
The Iranian President also expressed Tehran’s readiness to deepen relations with India across various sectors and called for stronger communication and consultations between officials of the two countries.
According to the Iranian Embassy, the discussions included expanding economic and trade ties, transportation and maritime cooperation, developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and progress at Chabahar Port.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Modi and Pezeshkian exchanged views on the evolving West Asia situation, with the Prime Minister expressing concern over the escalation of tensions.
“India’s consistent position” is that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, the MEA said.
Modi also stressed the importance of continued efforts towards lasting peace and stability, while calling for the protection of freedom of navigation and commerce. He said civilians, civilian infrastructure, commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted.
The meeting came after US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island on Sunday. US Central Command said the launchers were being prepared to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said military personnel and civilians were killed or wounded.
Pezeshkian subsequently said Iran did not seek war but would respond decisively to aggression.
“We do not seek war,” he said, while warning that Iran would not remain passive in the face of attacks.
He also said instability in the region was in no country’s interest and urged regional states to work together on security and development.
Modi said India would continue supporting efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding relationship with Iran.
The Prime Minister also conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
