New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East and its impact on civilian lives and infrastructure. This marked the first direct contact between the two leaders since the conflict began last month.
In a late-night post on X, PM Modi said, “Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.”
Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region.
Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The safety and security of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 12, 2026
He emphasised that the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted transit of goods and energy remain top priorities for India. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability, urging dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
The conversation follows last month’s military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered widespread conflict across the region. Iran has since retaliated by targeting US and Israeli bases and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway handling roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Earlier on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss shipping safety and energy security. The Ministry of External Affairs said the discussion focused on ensuring safe passage of vessels and maintaining stable energy flows. Jaishankar noted it was the third conversation with his Iranian counterpart since the crisis began and highlighted India’s proactive efforts to safeguard its energy interests amid the virtual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks come after Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, days after his father’s death, further raising tensions in the region.
India continues to monitor the situation closely, coordinating with regional authorities to protect its citizens and maintain supply chains, while urging all parties to pursue dialogue and de-escalation.
