Even as the US blockade of Iranian ports continued and Iran threatened retaliation, posing serious risks for the global economy and raising the possibility of a ceasefire collapse and resumed fighting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a long phone conversation on Tuesday.
According to news agency PTI, the leaders spoke for nearly 40 minutes. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed that the phone call lasted for 40 minutes.
"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," PM Modi said in a tweet.
"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he added.
This is the second time that the two leaders have talked since the conflict in West Asia began.
Further details of the conversation were not disclosed.
Modi and Trump last spoke on the West Asia issue on March 24. Modi had then said India supports de-escalation and the restoration of peace at the earliest, and underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.
Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday that Islamabad has proposed a second round of talks with the US and Iran.
