Modi, Iran President Pezeshkian discuss West Asia situation, stress maritime security

New Delhi, March 21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 21 held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to review regional developments and explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

During the call, Modi extended greetings to the Iranian leader on the occasions of Eid and Nowruz, with both sides expressing hope that the festive period would bring peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.

The discussion focused on the evolving security situation in the region, with Modi condemning recent attacks on critical infrastructure. He noted that such incidents pose a serious threat to regional stability and disrupt key global supply chains.

Highlighting India’s concerns over maritime security, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring that international shipping routes remain open and secure.

Modi also thanked Iran for its continued support in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals residing in the country.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister reiterated the key points of the conversation, including his greetings to President Pezeshkian, concerns over regional instability, and the need to safeguard critical shipping lanes.

The Modi-Pezeshkian discussion amidst one of the most serious escalations in West Asia in recent decades – the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran and Tehran’s retaliation. The discussion carries multi-layered strategic, diplomatic and economic significance for India.

Key installations like the Natanz nuclear site and major energy infrastructure have been hit. Iran has retaliated with missile strikes, including attempts to hit US-linked bases such as Diego Garcia.

The conflict has expanded across the region – from Lebanon to the Persian Gulf – raising fears of a full-scale regional war.

This volatile situation forms the immediate context of Modi’s outreach to Tehran.

India depends heavily on West Asia for crude oil and gas. The war has disrupted production, triggered sharp spikes in global oil prices and inflationary pressures, and threatened energy infrastructure across the Gulf

Modi’s emphasis on stability reflects India’s urgent need to prevent prolonged disruption in energy flows.

A central theme of the Modi-Pezeshkian conversation was safeguarding shipping lanes, especially the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly 20 percent of global oil trade passes through this chokepoint. The conflict has already led to threats, blockades and rising insurance costs for shipping. Iran has targeted or threatened maritime routes in retaliation.

For India, which relies on uninterrupted sea lanes for trade and energy imports, Modi’s stress on “freedom of navigation” is a direct articulation of national interest.

Iran also hosts a sizeable number of Indian nationals, including workers and professionals. Modi’s appreciation of Iran’s support in ensuring their safety highlights a consular priority amid conflict conditions.

India’s engagement with Iran during an active conflict involving the US and Israel is diplomatically significant. India has Strong strategic relations with the US and its ties with Israel are growing.

However, at the same time, India has civilisational and energy links with Iran

By speaking directly with Pezeshkian, Modi signals India’s refusal to take a binary position, commitment to multi-alignment rather than bloc politics, and positioning as a stabilising actor.

India avoided endorsing any military side but condemned attacks on infrastructure, emphasised de-escalation and stability and highlighted global economic consequences.

This positions India as a responsible stakeholder advocating restraint, consistent with its broader West Asia policy.

The conflict is not just regional – it has systemic global consequences. Attacks on infrastructure and shipping routes are disrupting supply chains. Oil price volatility is feeding global inflation. Alternative energy transport routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz are being discussed.

India, as a major emerging economy and trading nation, is particularly vulnerable to such shocks. Modi’s conversation reflects concern over these cascading effects.

Modi’s call also carries subtle diplomatic messaging. To Iran, India signals that it values the relationship but expects restraint, especially on maritime security. To the US and allies, India has signalled that it supports stability, not escalation. To the Global South, India has shown that it is engaging constructively in crisis diplomacy.