Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which the two leaders discussed the latest developments in West Asia. President Pezeshkian briefed the Prime Minister on the recent situation in the region and the way forward. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent understanding reached in West Asia and reiterated India's long-standing position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
He stressed the importance of peaceful engagement to address regional challenges.
Calls for lasting peace and regional stability
The Prime Minister also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in West Asia. He further emphasised the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.
"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," PM Modi posted on social media platform X.
US and Iran set to hold fresh talks
The phone call comes as the United States and Iran are preparing for another round of high-level talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, both countries have agreed to temporarily halt attacks against each other while negotiations continue. The talks are expected to focus on maritime security, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and other outstanding issues.
The renewed diplomatic efforts follow weeks of military tensions and are seen as an attempt to preserve the fragile peace reached earlier this month.
According to Axios, Washington and Tehran have agreed to suspend all 'kinetic activity'. "We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," a senior US official told Axios, using the military's term for strikes and other attacks.
Another official told Axios that both sides will stand down "for now" and that "vessels can move freely" as technical talks are set to continue.
Both US officials and a third source with knowledge confirmed Tuesday's planned meeting.
The Tuesday meeting was initially planned to happen in Switzerland to address Iran's nuclear program. However, after fresh military exchanges over the weekend, diplomats shifted the venue to Doha and narrowed the agenda to resolving disputes surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Nick Stewart, who heads the US technical team, is expected to participate in the talks. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Also Read: US and Iran agree to halt strikes, hold talks in Doha over Strait of Hormuz this week: Report
