Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking the first time the two leaders directly talked since the start of the Middle East conflict. During the phone call, the Prime Minister stressed that the safety of Indian nationals along with the easy flow of goods and energy are New Delhi’s top priorities.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote that he also expressed “deep concern” over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as destruction of infrastructure. He also renewed India’s stance on peace and stability and urged for diplomacy.
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“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure. The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi tweeted.
The conversation between the two leaders comes at a time when Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas shipments pass. The blockade, along with strikes on oil facilities in Gulf nations by Iran and by the US and Israel in Iran, has led to a massive oil crunch and price hike globally.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the situation. Later, India Today learnt that Iran has permitted safe passage of Indian oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, New Delhi is negotiating with Tehran to ensure as many as 20 oil and gas tankers are allowed to pass through the waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, Bloomberg reported.
External Affairs Ministry (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaisal has confirmed that two Indian nationals have been killed and another remains missing after merchant ships came under attack amid the Middle East conflict. The deaths happened when the Indians were on board commercial ships that were aimed at during the hostilities in the region.
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Published By:
Devika Bhattacharya
Published On:
Mar 12, 2026 23:32 IST
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