As the US-Israel-Iran military standoff enters its third week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian via phone to convey Eid and Nowruz felicitations. The gesture highlights New Delhi’s proactive role in fostering dialogue amid one of the most precarious phases in West Asian geopolitics.
Taking to social media, PM Modi noted the exchange: ‘Just concluded a phone call with Iran’s President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, wishing him on Eid and Nowruz. Hoped these festivals herald peace, stability, and prosperity across West Asia.’
Condemning strikes on essential infrastructure, Modi pointed out their peril to regional security and worldwide commerce. The leaders reaffirmed the need for secure sea lanes, crucial for global shipping, and India thanked Tehran for protecting its expatriate community.
This follows their March 12 call, where Modi highlighted risks to essential supplies and energy flows, potentially destabilizing economies far beyond the conflict zone.
PM Modi’s diplomatic blitz continues unabated. In a 24-hour span, he connected with five key figures: Kuwait’s heir apparent, Oman’s ruler, France’s Macron, Malaysia’s PM, and Qatar’s emir, all while sharing Eid wishes and India’s peace advocacy through ‘dialogue and diplomacy.’
Tensions surged post the March 28 US-Israel aerial assault on Iranian targets, claiming lives of top officials like Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran’s counteroffensives against American Gulf installations have prolonged the deadlock. With no end in view after 22 days, international watchers brace for fuel shortages, making Modi’s trade-peace linkage all the more critical.