PM Modi expresses deep concern over the widening of the Wesr Asia conflict and reiterates India’s call to de-escalate the situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan, Russia on Tuesday (October 22, 2024) amid continuing tension in West Asia due to the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Iran. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, saw Prime Minister Modi expressing deep concern over the situation in the region. He called for de-escalation and diplomacy to resolve the issues.

Their talks also took stock of bilateral ties and cooperation, including the Chabahar Port and trade linkages in the region.

“Had a very good meeting with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian. We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries. We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors. @drpezeshkian,” Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X. 

According to information released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in West Asia. “Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the widening of the conflict and reiterated India’s call to de-escalate the situation. Prime Minister also emphasized on protection of civilians and the role of diplomacy in resolving the conflict,” the MEA stated. 

President Pezeshkian also emphasized on the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict, given its good relations with all the parties involved.

During their meeting, the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fields. “Noting that the signing of the long-term contract of Chabahar Port is an important milestone in bilateral relations, the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan and enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia,” the MEA said. 

Prime Minister Modi used the opportunity to congratulate President Pezeshkian on his election as the 9th President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and welcome Iran into the BRICS family. The leaders agreed to continue their cooperation in various multilateral forums, including BRICS and SCO. Prime Minister Modi invited President Pezeshkian to visit India at an early date; he accepted the invitation.

Briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this was their first meeting since President Pezeshkian's election as the ninth President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening the age-old bilateral ties with Iran, he added. According to the Foreign Secretary, both leaders repeatedly emphasised the shared historical and civilizational ties that underpin their bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fields of bilateral ties.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed a wide range of issues ranging from the Ukraine conflict to steps to strengthen bilateral cooperation.