PM Modi Urges Iran for Dialogue, Diplomacy to End War
First Call Since War PM Modi speaks to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12, first conversation since US-Israel strikes began Feb 28. Discusses "serious situation" in West Asia amid escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict
Deep Concern Expressed Modi voices alarm over civilian casualties, infrastructure damage. "Expressed deep concern over escalation of tensions and loss of civilian lives," PM posts on X. Urges immediate de-escalation through negotiation
India's Twin Priorities Safety of 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran (students, seafarers, professionals, pilgrims) paramount. Unhindered transit of goods and energy through Strait of Hormuz critical, 20% global oil flows disrupted
Diplomatic Push Works Iranian Deputy FM Majid Takht-Ravanchi signals Hormuz partially open: "Some countries talked to us, we cooperated." EAM Jaishankar held three calls with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi ensuring shipping safety
Evacuation Underway Indian Embassy facilitating nationals' exit via Armenia, Azerbaijan land borders to catch commercial flights. Advisory issued Jan 14, Feb 23, many students already returned. Modi reiterates: "India committed to peace, stability, dialogue and diplomacy only way forward