New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid and Nowruz greetings to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during their second telephonic conversation since the US and Israel launched an attack on Tehran on February 28.
While discussing the conflict in West Asia on Saturday, Modi condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, and also stressed on the importance of freedom of navigation for trade purposes.
“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,” Modi posted on X.
“Condemned
attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure,” the Indian PM stated.
Modi also appreciated “Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran”.
PM Modi’s concerns about shipping lanes being kept open and secure stems from the fact that around 20 Indian vessels are stranded in the Persian Gulf region as Tehran has been blocking traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as retaliation against repeated US and Israeli bombardment on Iran.
Shivalik and Nanda Devi, Indian LPG ships carrying 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG, reached India earlier this week after being allowed to pass the strait.
External Affairs minister S Jaishankar said recently India does not have a “blanket arrangement” with Iran for the passage of its vessels through Hormuz Strait, saying that “every ship movement is an individual happening.”