Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iranian President Masoudd Pezeshkian on Tuesday in their first call since an initial ceasefire deal was agreed upon between Tehran and Washington.
Pezeshkian briefed Modi regarding the current developments in the Middle East and the future course of action. The PM welcomed the ceasefire agreement, pointing out that India has always called for resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi also called for sustained effortss to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region while also stressing on the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, especially in Strait of Hormuz. One-fifth of the global oil supplies were shipped through the strait before the war began. However, Iran's attacks on vessels and the blockade resulted in a global energy crisis, leading to rise in fuel prices across the world, including India.
Taking to X, Modi wrote, "Spoke with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on the recent developments in West Asia. Welcomed the progress made in the negotiations and expressed hope that continued efforts will lead to lasting peace in the region. Reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait for India and the World."
This comes days after Pezeshkian invited Modi to the funeral for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to be held next week. However, instead of the PM, the government is planning to send Bihar Governor Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita as representatives of India. The burial ceremonies will be held from July 5 to 9.
The phone call comes as the US and Iran are making efforts to implement the initial deal to end the war. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restore peace in the Middle East and advance negotiations on regional security and other contentious issues was inked by the two sides on June 18.
Trump's son-in-law and aide Jared Kushner and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Qatar on Tuesday to continue talks with mediators.
Following the US negotiations with the mediators, Iran will send a delegation to Doha later this week to meet the Qatari negotiators.
