Prime Minister Modi welcomed the understanding reached to ease regional tensions and reiterated India’s longstanding position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the latest developments in West Asia following the recent understanding reached to ease regional tensions.
During the conversation, Pezeshkian updated the PM on the evolving situation in the region and the way forward. PM Modi welcomed the understanding reached and reiterated India’s longstanding position that all disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Freedom of navigation and lasting peace
The prime minister also stressed the need for sustained efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in West Asia while underscoring the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and international commerce.
The conversation came at a crucial time as diplomatic efforts continue to preserve the fragile peace agreement between Iran and the United States after months of hostilities.
India has consistently called for restraint and maintained that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving regional conflicts. New Delhi has also repeatedly emphasised the importance of keeping vital global shipping lanes open, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies passes.
Funeral of Supreme Leader Khamenei
The phone conversation also came days after President Pezeshkian invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during Israeli and US airstrikes on Tehran, had served as Iran’s supreme leader for 36 years. The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to begin on July 4 and conclude on July 9 with his burial in Mashhad, the holy city in northeastern Iran where he was born.
The Indian government decided to send Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain to represent India at the funeral, government sources told India Today TV.
The timing of Khamenei’s funeral had remained uncertain since his assassination during the opening phase of the Israel-Iran conflict earlier this year. Under Islamic tradition, burial normally takes place as soon as possible after death. However, exceptions are permitted during extraordinary circumstances, including war.
