Prime Minister Modi talks to Iranian President, expresses concern over security situation in Gulf region

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. This conflict is being fought by America and Israel regarding the increasing tension between Iran and Israel.

Posting on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, “Discussed the serious situation with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezheshkian. Expressed deep concern over the escalating tension in the region and the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure.”

The Prime Minister also said that the safety and security of Indian citizens is the top priority of the government. He also underlined that uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies is equally important for India.

“The safety of Indian citizens and the unhindered movement of goods and energy supplies will remain India’s top priorities.” Prime Minister Modi said.

The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and stressed the need to resolve the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy. “Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy,” Prime Minister Modi said.

India gave priority to the safety of its citizens
India recently focused high-level diplomatic efforts on safeguarding Indian interests. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing on Thursday that India is working to ensure the safety of its 9,000 citizens in Iran, including many students and others, who are returning home with the help of the embassy.

Jaiswal confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made three phone calls with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to ensure the safety of commercial shipping and safeguard India’s energy security.

“There have been three conversations recently between the External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Iran. In the last conversation issues related to security of shipping and India’s energy security were discussed. Apart from that, I cannot say anything else,” he said.

Improvement in transportation conditions of Indian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Following these talks, stability was ensured in the transportation of Indian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the country’s energy imports.

Active role in security of 9,000 citizens of India
The MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) is actively helping protect the safety of its 9,000 citizens in Iran, including mostly students, seafarers, traders and pilgrims. The ministry is helping Indian citizens reach safe places, assist in visa processing and evacuate them through safe routes.

Jaiswal said that 9,000 Indian citizens living in Iran are being shifted to safer places, and they can now use commercial flights to return to India via neighboring countries like Azerbaijan and Armenia.