What happened?
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hours after the US carried out strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran. Prime Minister Modi reiterated his call for a swift reduction in tensions and urged all sides to de-escalate. In a post on X, he stated, “Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. 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”. According to a PTI report, President Pezeshkian emphasized India’s significant voice and role in restoring regional peace and stability. The 45-minute phone call originated from Pezeshkian, who described India as a friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security, and stability, and thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s position and call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. Earlier, Iran’s foreign minister stated the country would defend itself “by all means necessary” against both US military aggression and “reckless and unlawful actions of the Israeli regime”. Earlier this month, during his Cyprus visit, Prime Minister Modi had expressed worry over conflicts in West Asia and Europe, stating, “We believe this is not an era of war”. Last week, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement expressing serious concern over escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, urging both sides to avoid escalatory steps and utilize existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and resolution of underlying issues. The MEA also affirmed India’s close and friendly relations with both countries and its readiness to provide all possible support. India maintained its stance of strategic autonomy and non-alignment by not associating itself with a recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) statement that criticised Israel’s actions against Iran. The SCO, led by China and Russia, expressed “serious concern” and condemned the Israeli airstrikes.
Why it matters to India
Prime Minister Modi’s direct engagement with the Iranian President underscores India’s commitment to diplomatic resolution and de-escalation in the volatile Middle East. India’s consistent call for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward reflects its principled foreign policy of promoting peace and stability in a region crucial for its energy security and diaspora. By not aligning with the SCO’s statement critical of Israel, India reaffirms its strategic autonomy and non-aligned foreign policy, crucial for maintaining balanced relations with all parties involved and protecting its diverse national interests.