PM Modi, Iran President focus on West Asia; India stresses peace, stability
India emphasised the necessity for continued efforts to make sure peace and stability in West Asia and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce throughout a cellphone name between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.
The 2 leaders spoke on the cellphone towards the backdrop of considerations in regards to the ceasefire in West Asia following contemporary assaults by the US and Iran over the previous few days. The dialog additionally got here days after Pezeshkian invited Modi for the funeral programme of former Supreme Chief Ali Khamenei starting this week.
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“Welcomed the progress made within the negotiations and expressed hope that continued efforts will result in lasting peace within the area. Reiterated the significance of freedom of navigation within the Hormuz Strait for India and the world,” Modi mentioned in a social media publish.
Based on an Indian authorities readout on the cellphone name, Modi “reiterated the necessity for continued efforts to make sure lasting peace and stability within the area, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce”.
The PM additionally welcomed the understanding reached by Iran and the US and “reiterated India’s constant place that each one points should be resolved by dialogue and diplomacy”.
India grappled with shortages of oil, gasoline and fertilisers following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in latest months, and it has benefited from the passage of ships carrying these commodities in latest days after Tehran eased restrictions on the essential waterway used to move nearly 50% of the nation’s oil imports.
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Through the cellphone dialog, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on latest developments in West Asia and “the best way ahead”, the readout mentioned with out giving particulars.
Whereas the Indian facet has made no formal announcement on the extent of its participation within the funeral programme for the late Iranian Supreme Chief, folks acquainted with the matter mentioned minister of state for exterior affairs Pabitra Margherita and the governor of Bihar, Lt Gen (retired) Syed Ata Hasnain, are anticipated to signify India on the occasion.
India more likely to ship delegation to Khamenei funeral
Final week, Pezeshkian invited Modi to the funeral programme, a six-day occasion spanning three Iranian cities. Margherita and Hasnain, one of many few members of the Shia neighborhood to at present maintain a senior constitutional place, are anticipated to take part within the occasion to be held in Tehran on July 4, the folks mentioned on situation of anonymity.
India’s response after Khamenei’s killing
Khamenei, 86, was killed on February 28, the primary day of the West Asian battle triggered by Israel and the US’s assaults on Iran. He died in an airstrike on the compound in Tehran housing his workplace.
India had maintained silence on the Israel-US army strikes that killed Khamenei until international secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian embassy on March 5 to signal the condolence ebook on behalf of the federal government.
