PM SPEAKS WITH IRANIAN PRESIDENT

New Delhi, Mar 13, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region amid the ongoing US and, Israel war in Iran.

In a post on X, PM Modi said he expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, particularly the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure in the region.

“Had a conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that the safety and security of Indian nationals remain a key priority for the government, while ensuring the uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies is equally crucial for India.

“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities,” he said.

The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

“Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

Earlier, India highlighted a high-level diplomatic effort to protect its interests, stressing the twin priorities of citizen safety and the stability of energy supply chains.

During the weekly press briefing on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is working to ensure the safety of around 9,000 Indian nationals currently in Iran, with several students and others already returning home with assistance from the embassy.

Jaiswal also confirmed that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held three telephone conversations with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss issues related to the safety of commercial shipping and India’s energy security.

“External Affairs Minister and the Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in recent days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” he said.

Following these discussions, stabilisation in the transit of Indian oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial global shipping route for energy supplies — was secured.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave the country.

Authorities are helping them travel via land routes to Armenia and Azerbaijan, from where they can take commercial flights to return to India.

“We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims who were based in Tehran, to safer locations and cities within the country. We are also assisting those who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there take commercial flights to return home. We are helping with visas and land border crossings,” he added.