BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday and stressed the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce, as well as the safety and well-being of seafarers, India’s Foreign Ministry said.
The meeting took place ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi amid renewed tensions and exchanges of attacks between the United States and Iran.
India has sought to maintain a balanced position in the conflict, given its longstanding ties with Iran, strategic relations with Israel and close links with Arab countries where millions of Indians live and work.
The security situation has also directly affected India, with attacks on vessels operating in the region reportedly killing at least 10 Indian nationals.
Modi reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
He also called for continued international efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region while protecting maritime navigation, commercial activity and the safety of seafarers.
