PM Modi speaks to Iranian President, stresses need for unhindered transit of goods, energy
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Mar 13, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the importance of ensuring uninterrupted transit of goods and energy through the Persian Gulf.
Following the call, Modi posted on X that he had conveyed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the region, including the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The conversation marked the first direct contact between Modi and Pezeshkian since Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on February 28 that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In the days following the escalation, Modi had spoken with the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman and the United Arab Emirates—countries that faced retaliatory actions from Iran. He also held a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had hosted him shortly before the missile strikes began.
“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities,” Modi told the Iranian leader during Thursday’s call, outlining New Delhi’s approach. “Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he added in his post.
Amid the tensions, at least three Indian mariners were killed in attacks on merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf.
India has so far refrained from condemning the missile strikes on Iran by Israel and the United States, the killing of Khamenei, and the sinking of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Dena in a submarine attack by the US in the Indian Ocean.
On March 5, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence register for the slain Supreme Leader. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of India, but did not refer to the circumstances surrounding Khamenei’s death.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy issued a press statement on its participation in search-and-rescue operations after a US submarine torpedoed the IRIS Dena off Galle in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Sri Lanka on March 4. The statement, however, avoided mentioning the role of the United States in the sinking.
The IRIS Dena had been returning from the Milan 2026 held off Visakhapatnam between February 15 and 25.