New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, welcoming the recent understanding reached to end the West Asia conflict.

During their conversation, Pezeshkian briefed PM Modi on the recent developments in the region and the way forward. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the understanding reached and reiterated the need for continued efforts for lasting peace and stability while reiterating India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Modi also stressed on the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.

Both leaders had earlier spoken on March 21 during which they had discussed in detail the security situation in the West Asia region.

During that call, PM Modi had condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region and also asserted the significance of safeguarding freedom of navigation along with keeping the shipping lanes open and secure.

In their earlier conversation too – on March 12 – PM Modi had voiced his concern over the escalation of tensions in the region, pointing to the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure.

Last month, during his visit to New Delhi to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi had called Chabahar as a symbol of cooperation between Iran and India and expressed confidence that the India-developed port will serve as “golden gate” for access to Central Asia, the Caucasus and Europe.

“Chabahar Port is one of the symbols of cooperation between Iran and India and we are so glad that Indians played an important role in the development of that port. It is now somehow slowed down because of the US sanctions. But, I am confident that this port would be like a golden gate for India to access Central Asia, the Caucasus and then Europe through this transit route and also for Europeans, Central Asians and others to access the Indian Ocean,” said Aragchi.

“It is a very strategic port, important for both us and India and many other countries. So, I hope that Indians would continue their work in in Chabahar Port so it would be fully developed at the service of the interests of India and other countries around. I think India with its good reputation can play a greater role in this region to help diplomacy, to help peace, and to promote peace and security. India is a friend to almost all countries in the Persian Gulf, in the north of this Gulf, and in the southern part of that. So, we appreciate any positive constructive role played by India in this region,” he added.

–IANS

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