New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged efforts to keep shipping routes safe and protect seafarers during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, India’s foreign ministry said, Reuters reported.
The meeting took place ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi, as the United States and Iran resumed attacks after a pause in fighting for most of August. The conflict has now continued for six months.
India has close historical and cultural ties with Iran. At the same time, it has strategic relations with Israel and strong links with Arab countries, where millions of Indians live and work.
Attacks on ships in the region have affected India, with at least 10 Indian nationals reported killed.
“Prime Minister (Modi) reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the ministry said in a statement.
“He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers,” it said.
This was the second meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian in two weeks. They had earlier met on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
During that meeting, Pezeshkian said Iran wanted to resolve its dispute with the United States through negotiations.
India Maintains A Careful Position
New Delhi has condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries, energy facilities and ships. Some of the attacks have resulted in the deaths of crew members.
However, India also signed a joint declaration at the Bishkek summit that criticised the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran and Western sanctions.
Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, Modi said global trade depended on secure sea routes and safe supply lines.
“if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe”.
Pezeshkian also spoke at the forum, where he asked BRICS countries to prevent any nation from disrupting the legitimate trade of another country.
“The world is at one of its most complex moments today. The increasing use of economic instruments to exert economic pressure has jeopardized the legitimate trade of other countries,” he said.
Pezeshkian Calls For Trade Protection
Pezeshkian’s remarks came as the conflict continued to threaten shipping and trade in the region.
India has a major interest in keeping the routes safe because many Indian citizens work in the maritime sector and millions live in Gulf countries.
Modi repeated India’s position that disputes should be settled through talks and diplomacy. New Delhi is also seeking regional peace and stability as the continuing conflict threatens trade, energy supplies and shipping.