PM Modi Urges Immediate De-escalation and Dialogue in Talks with Iran President Pezeshkian

Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that Iran’s three main nuclear sites had been “obliterated” in American airstrikes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, reaching out amid escalating tensions in the region. This was the first conversation between the two leaders since the beginning of the Iran-Israel conflict.

Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed his deep concern over the growing hostilities and reiterated India’s consistent stand for dialogue and diplomacy as the only path forward. He emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation to restore regional peace, security, and stability. Modi also conveyed India’s support for peace and humanity, stating that it was crucial to prevent further escalation.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), President Pezeshkian briefed Modi in detail on the evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. Modi thanked Pezeshkian for Iran’s continued assistance in ensuring the safe return and repatriation of Indian citizens amid the crisis.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across key areas, including trade, economic engagement, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to maintain regular contact in light of the fluid geopolitical situation. This high-level outreach builds on their earlier interaction during the BRICS summit held in October the previous year in Kazan, Russia, which was their first meeting since Pezeshkian assumed office in July.

India currently finds itself in a diplomatically sensitive position, as it maintains crucial strategic partnerships with both Iran and Israel. On one hand, India shares long-standing cultural and economic ties with Iran. The two countries are collaborating on the development of the Chabahar Port, a major connectivity and trade project that facilitates India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. They are also partners in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), an ambitious initiative to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

In addition, Iran and India share similar concerns about regional security threats emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly regarding the treatment of minority communities. These common interests have strengthened their diplomatic bond. India also played a key role in supporting Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and later in facilitating its entry into the BRICS grouping. Both countries have also consulted each other frequently regarding the growing influence of China and Russia in the region.

Conversely, India maintains a robust security and defence relationship with Israel, including cooperation in intelligence, counterterrorism, and military technologies. In the past 10 days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also reached out to the Indian leadership to discuss developments. Iran’s outreach through President Pezeshkian signals the importance Tehran places on its relations with New Delhi, especially amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

With deep stakes in both Iran and Israel, India is navigating a delicate diplomatic balancing act. Its consistent message has been one of restraint, urging all parties to pursue peace through dialogue and diplomatic channels.