🔻India’s Prime Minister encourages President Pezeshkian to hold talks with the United States

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, today, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, urged Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, to resolve tensions between Iran and the United States through dialogue and diplomacy, while also emphasizing the necessity of maritime safety and the security of sailors.

The two leaders, who were meeting with each other for the second time in less than two weeks, discussed India-Iran relations; a conversation in which the overall situation in the region was at the center.

The meeting took place only a few hours after Pezeshkian arrived in India’s capital to attend the BRICS summit.

This is President Pezeshkian’s first trip to India in his capacity as president.

Shortly after the meeting, Mr. Modi wrote on social media: “We discussed the friendship between India and Iran. We believe we should move forward with a long-term strategy and a win-win policy.” He added: “The situation prevailing in the region was also discussed. India remains committed to achieving lasting peace.”

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said that “the two leaders exchanged views on recent developments.” The ministry added: “Narendra Modi once again emphasized India’s firm position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.”

In the wake of tensions between Iran and the United States that began in late February, India was forced to strike a delicate balance between maintaining its relations with Iran and expressing solidarity with the Arab countries that had been targeted by Iranian attacks. At the same time, India has criticized Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, which led to the deaths and injuries of Indian sailors.