Modi Urges Iran’s Pezeshkian To Resolve West Asia Conflict Through Dialogue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the escalating conflict in West Asia, while stressing the importance of protecting freedom of navigation, commercial shipping and the safety of seafarers.

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Modi and Pezeshkian held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, their second meeting since August 31, when the two leaders met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek. The meeting came against the backdrop of continuing military tensions in West Asia, disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and growing concerns over the safety of merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members.

According to a readout issued by India’s external affairs ministry, Modi reiterated New Delhi’s “consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”. He also called for sustained efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the region while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.

The Indian prime minister highlighted the safety and well-being of seafarers as a key concern. India has faced growing pressure from the conflict after merchant vessels with Indian crew members came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz. Ten Indian seafarers are among 16 Indians reported killed so far in the West Asia conflict.

New Delhi has summoned both Iranian and US diplomats over deadly attacks involving foreign-flagged merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members. The developments have added another layer of complexity to India’s traditionally close ties with Iran, as New Delhi simultaneously maintains strong relations with Gulf Arab states that have been targeted by Iranian military strikes.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has also created serious economic concerns for India, affecting the movement of energy supplies and fertilisers from West Asia. India’s strategic involvement in the development of Iran’s Chabahar port has meanwhile faced constraints because of US sanctions.

Following his meeting with Pezeshkian, Modi said India and Iran had discussed their friendship and the need to pursue a “long-term and win-win strategy”. He also described the Iranian president’s visit as particularly significant as it is Pezeshkian’s first trip to India since taking office in 2024.

The two leaders also reviewed bilateral ties and cooperation at multilateral forums. Modi thanked Iran for maintaining regular and high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite the difficult regional circumstances.

Modi said BRICS could help strengthen the “spirit of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability” among countries of the Global South. Both sides also welcomed continued cooperation on issues of mutual interest at multilateral organisations, including BRICS.

Iran’s role could prove particularly important during the BRICS Summit on September 12-13, as member states seek consensus on a leaders’ declaration. Differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which are positioned on opposing sides of the ongoing West Asia conflict, have already complicated consensus at several ministerial-level meetings ahead of the summit.

For India, Modi’s latest engagement with Pezeshkian reflects New Delhi’s effort to maintain diplomatic channels with Tehran while simultaneously pushing for de-escalation, protection of civilians and uninterrupted international commerce. The emphasis on dialogue, maritime security and seafarer safety underlines the direct impact the regional conflict is having on India’s strategic and economic interests.

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