Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking their second call since the conflict in West Asia began on February 28. The leaders exchanged greetings on the occasions of Eid and Nowruz, while also discussing the evolving regional situation.

In an X post t, Modi said, “Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.”

Concerns over infrastructure attacks

During the call, the Prime Minister raised concerns about recent attacks targeting critical infrastructure in the region. He said that he “Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”

Also Read | US using India to attack Iran? MEA issues strong 'fake news' warning

Modi also reiterated India’s position on ensuring the smooth flow of global trade. He stated that he “reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.”

Earlier this month, Modi had spoken to Pezeshkian about the “serious situation in the region”, expressing “deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.”

India’s priorities and diplomatic outreach

The Prime Minister had also highlighted the safety of Indian nationals and stressed the “need for unhindered transit of goods and energy”, calling them India’s “top priorities”.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said that India remains in continuous engagement with countries in the Gulf region. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also held multiple discussions with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi amid the ongoing tensions.

Also Read | Centre to table CAPF Bill on March 23, seeks 50% reservation for IPS at IG rank

Shipping concerns amid Hormuz disruption

The issue of maritime security has gained urgency as more than 20 Indian vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf region, with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz largely disrupted.

In a recent development, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, successfully transited the strait.

Jaishankar noted that India does not have a “blanket arrangement” with Iran for such movements, adding that “every ship movement is an individual happening.” He said ongoing discussions with Tehran are “yielding results,” pointing to the recent transit of the gas tankers as an example.