PM Modi Reaffirms India's Friendship with Iran in Crucial Diplomatic Call
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian late Thursday, marking a pivotal moment in India-Iran relations amidst escalating regional tensions. The Prime Minister underscored that India remains a steadfast friend of Iran and pledged that his government would exert maximum effort to advance diplomatic solutions, emphasizing that further escalation serves no one's interests.
Iran Grants Safe Passage to Indian Ships Through Strategic Strait
This dialogue represents the closest India has come to expressing solidarity with Tehran since the outbreak of conflict involving US-Israel attacks and Iranian reprisals. In a direct and positive outcome, Iran announced on Friday that it would permit Indian-flagged vessels safe transit through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali confirmed this development unequivocally, stating, "Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within 2-3 hours. We believe India and Iran share common interests in the region." Reports emerged late Friday indicating that Iran had already allowed two India-flagged gas carriers to cross the Strait, providing relief for the twenty-eight Indian ships previously stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the Iranian blockade.
Iran Seeks BRICS Role in Peace Efforts, Appreciates India's Stance
President Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for India's "balanced and constructive positions" on international issues and its active efforts to de-escalate tensions. According to an Iranian readout of the call, the Iranian leader highlighted Iran's commitment to expanding cooperation with New Delhi within multilateral frameworks, specifically mentioning BRICS, which India currently chairs.
Pezeshkian called upon the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies to play an active role in safeguarding peace and security in the region. He raised concerns about recent attacks, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and an assault on a girls' school that reportedly resulted in 168 student fatalities.
Intensified Diplomatic Engagement and BRICS Challenges
Following the leaders' conversation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his fourth discussion in two weeks with Iranian counterpart Seyed Araghchi, where BRICS-related issues were again at the forefront. Araghchi, as per Iranian statements, sought condemnation of US-Israel "military aggression" by regional and global organizations and emphasized that BRICS should constructively support stability and security.
Jaishankar affirmed India's readiness to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation in various forums and stressed the "collective necessity" of strengthening sustainable stability in the region. He later noted on social media that BRICS matters were discussed during the talks.
However, India faces challenges as BRICS chair in forging consensus for a joint statement on the conflict, given the membership of both Iran and the UAE in the group. A government source stated, "As chair of BRICS, India has been facilitating discussions among members through the Sherpa channel. The last virtual BRICS Sherpa meeting was held on March 12. India will continue to engage."
India's Nuanced Position and Regional Concerns
India has intensified its engagement with Iran in recent days, emphasizing the need for unimpeded transit of goods and energy, crucial given India's deep energy and diaspora interests in the Gulf. While unlike Russia and China, India has not explicitly condemned the attacks on Iran, PM Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, loss of civilian lives, and damage to infrastructure during his call.
Without directly naming Iran, the Prime Minister has strongly condemned attacks in the Gulf region. The Iranian statement noted that Modi reiterated India's friendship and commitment to diplomatic advancement, recognizing that conflict escalation benefits no party.
President Pezeshkian assured that despite recent adversities, Iran remains dedicated to expanding cooperation with India and other friendly nations through platforms like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reinforcing the call for BRICS to actively contribute to regional peace and security.
