NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday and called for an immediate de-escalation as tensions rose across the Middle East. The conversation followed US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
In a post on X, Modi said he had expressed deep concern about the recent escalations and urged for “dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward.”
“We discussed in detail about the current situation,” Modi wrote. “Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
The 45-minute phone call was the first direct contact between Modi and Pezeshkian since tensions erupted 10 days ago after Israeli strikes on Iran. The US then targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, sparking strong warnings from Iran.
Pezeshkian described India as a “friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security and stability.” He thanked Modi for India’s call to de-escalate the situation.
The Iranian president also briefed Modi on the evolving crisis. Pezeshkian said he appreciated India’s role in pushing for dialogue and diplomacy.
The crisis deepened after US strikes damaged Iran’s main nuclear sites. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that any American attack could cause “irreparable damage.” Iran’s foreign ministry said the strikes could lead to a full-scale regional war.
More than 860 people have been killed, including civilians and security personnel, after strikes between Israel and Iran began last week.
Despite these stern threats, US officials defended the action. Former President Donald Trump announced that Iran’s three main nuclear sites had been “obliterated.”
In his call, Modi told Pezeshkian that India supports peace and humanity. The Indian leader stressed the need for all sides to embrace diplomacy to prevent further loss of life.
Modi also thanked Pezeshkian for ensuring the safety of Indian citizens in Iran. The two leaders pledged to strengthen their bilateral ties.
“Prime Minister Modi thanked President Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for safe return and repatriation of the Indian community,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said.
The leaders agreed to stay in touch and discussed future cooperation in trade, science and technology.
The call underscores India’s careful diplomacy as the Middle East crisis unfolds. India enjoys close relations with both Iran and Israel and has significant interests in the region.
New Delhi and Tehran work closely on the Chabahar port project, which connects India to Central Asia. The countries also collaborate on the International North-South Transport Corridor to boost trade.
Both nations share concerns about extremism in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also participate in multilateral groups such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.
Earlier this year, Modi met Pezeshkian at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. India has long supported Iran’s inclusion in BRICS and the SCO to enhance regional economic and security cooperation.
Modi’s message of dialogue and diplomacy comes at a tense time. Iranian and US officials continue to trade warnings.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, the crisis threatens to destabilize the Middle East. Leaders across the globe have called for immediate peace talks.
Modi’s outreach to Pezeshkian is part of India’s attempt to encourage peaceful resolution. With millions of Indians working in Gulf countries, India is deeply invested in regional stability.
