Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a high-stakes telephonic conversation on Thursday night, marking their first direct engagement since the massive military escalation in West Asia began on February 28. During the call, President Pezeshkian reportedly urged India to play a more “active role” in de-escalating the conflict, leveraging its unique diplomatic position with both the West and the Middle East.

PM Modi expressed “deep concern” over the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of civilian infrastructure following the US-backed Israeli strikes on Iranian soil. He reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to peace, urging a return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing crisis. The Prime Minister underscored that the safety of approximately 9,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, including students and seafarers, remains New Delhi’s top priority.

A critical part of the discussion focused on global energy security and the unhindered transit of goods through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been severely disrupted. PM Modi emphasized that any long-term blockage of this vital trade route could have catastrophic effects on the Indian economy. President Pezeshkian briefed the Prime Minister on the ground situation in Tehran and shared his perspective on the regional developments. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact, with India positioning itself as a potential mediator in a region on the brink of a total war.