At a time when West Asia is witnessing tension between Israel and Iran and there are fears of an escalation into a full-fledged conflict between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time since he was elected. The Iranian President emphasised the need for peace in West Asia and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties, officials said. Modi congratulated President Pezeshkian on his recent poll victory and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the age-old bilateral ties with Iran. He also welcomed Iran into the BRICS family and invited the President to visit India at an early date. President Pezeshkian accepted the invitation, the MEA said. The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). “Had a very good meeting with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian. We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries. We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors,” Modi wrote on X. This was their first meeting after Pezeshkian became President. The two leaders had a “fruitful discussion,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in Kazan. “PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict (in West Asia) and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians and the prevention of harm to civilians. He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the tensions,” Misri said. Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties involved, the Foreign Secretary said. Misri said Afghanistan also figured in the discussion between the two leaders. Pezeshkian acknowledged India's role in Iran’s accession to the SCO and BRICS.
