Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation on Thursday with Masoud Pezeshkian, marking the first direct communication between the two leaders since the escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict. During the discussion, Modi emphasised that the safety of Indian nationals in the region and the uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies remain India’s top priorities.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said he conveyed India’s deep concern over the worsening situation in the region, including the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure. He reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to peace and stability and called for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The conversation took place amid growing tensions after Iran blocked the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas shipments typically pass. The blockade, along with strikes on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries and attacks carried out by the United States and Israel inside Iran, has significantly disrupted global energy markets and driven oil prices higher.
Separately, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held discussions with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding the situation. Diplomatic engagements have focused on ensuring the safety of Indian citizens and securing energy shipments passing through the Gulf region.
According to reports, Iran has allowed Indian-linked oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz following these diplomatic exchanges. New Delhi is also negotiating with Tehran to secure safe passage for up to 20 oil and gas tankers through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed that two Indian nationals have been killed and another remains missing after merchant vessels came under attack during the ongoing hostilities in the region. The casualties occurred when the Indians were onboard commercial ships that were targeted during the conflict.
