New Delhi: Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, conveying greetings on the occasions of Eid and Nowruz.
During the conversation, Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, noting that such actions “threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”
In a post on X, the prime minister also emphasized the “importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.”
“Appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran,” he added.
Modi also expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability, and prosperity to West Asia.
This was the second telephonic conversation between the two leaders since the beginning of the conflict in West Asia on February 28.
In a separate development, the leaders of the UAE, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia condemned the recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf.
In a joint statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they said: “We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces. We express our deep concern about the escalating conflict.”
They urged Iran to immediately cease its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks, and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
“Freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the statement noted.
The statement added that the effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people worldwide, especially the most vulnerable.
“Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasize that interference with international shipping and the disruption of global energy supply chains constitute a threat to international peace and security. In this regard, we call for an immediate, comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” the statement concluded.
