Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday on the eve of the BRICS summit, emphasizing the need to safeguard freedom of navigation, commerce and the safety of seafarers.
According to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Modi reiterated India's stance that "all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy". He also underscored the necessity of continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability across the region.
The bilateral meeting comes as ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States has choked off Gulf oil exports to multiple countries, including India. The maritime escalation has directly affected Indian personnel, with several Indian sailors killed in recent attacks on oil tankers.
With inputs from Al Jazeera