US President Donald Trump spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on phone on Tuesday. Both the leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia (Middle East). Special emphasis was laid on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, safe and accessible.
This conversation took place at a time when Trump has expressed hope that the war between America, Israel and Iran can end soon. Trump said on Monday that his government was holding “productive” talks with Tehran. He extended his deadline to attack Iran’s power plants by 5 days. Iran maintained its control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is affecting world oil exports.
Also read: ‘I or Ayatollah will control Hormuz…’, what kind of claim is Trump making on Iran?
PM said- support of peace
US Ambassador Sergio Gore wrote on Twitter that the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was discussed in the conversation between the two leaders. Prime Minister Modi also posted on Instagram, ‘Spoke to President Trump on phone. There was a useful discussion on the situation in West Asia. India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace as soon as possible. It is important for the entire world to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, safe and accessible to all. We will remain in touch on peace and stability efforts.
Iranian officials are saying that Trump backed down because Iran had given a stern warning. However, there are mixed signals coming from Tehran regarding talks. Some reports say that Iran is receiving some proposals from the US through intermediaries and is examining them.
offer of arbitration
PM Modi had also recently spoken to Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian. However, details of any mediation proposal were not disclosed. India’s neighbor Pakistan and four countries like Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt are said to be mediating between Washington and Tehran.
PM Modi said in Parliament on Tuesday that since the war started, he has spoken on phone twice to the leaders of most of the countries in West Asia. He is in constant touch with Gulf countries, Iran, Israel and America.
emphasis on diplomacy
Modi said, ‘India is trying to ensure safe movement of its ships through diplomacy. We are in favor of resolving this issue through dialogue. He also described the safety of the large number of Indian citizens living in the Gulf as a priority.
Shipping Ministry’s Special Secretary Rajesh Sinha said that the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait. No one’s permission is needed to go there. It was not there before and it is not there even today. Security assessment is definitely done but permission is not sought from anyone.
Also read: He had set out to destroy Iran, but fired ceasefire, why does Trump’s move change every moment?
present situation
So far, more than 1500 people have died in Iran, more than 1000 in Lebanon, 15 in Israel and 13 American soldiers in this war, which started with air strikes on Tehran by America and Israel on February 28. Many civilians have also been killed in the Gulf region. Millions of people have been left homeless in Lebanon as Israel stepped up attacks on the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.
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