Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday emphasized the need to prevent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and sought the early restoration of peace and stability as New Delhi continued its outreach to key West Asian players.

“Good exchange of perspectives with President @raisi_com of Iran on the difficult situation in West Asia and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Terrorist incidents, violence, and loss of civilian lives are serious concerns. Preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability are important. Welcomed the progress in our bilateral cooperation, including on the Chabahar port,” Modi said on social media X.

Both sides agreed to remain in touch given their shared interest in regional peace, security, and stability, the statement read.

The two leaders also reviewed and positively assessed progress in multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the focus and priority accorded to Chabahar port in Iran for improving regional connectivity.

Modi also reiterated India’s “longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue”, while Raisi shared his assessment of the situation.

Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called with his Iranian colleague Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, where they addressed the "grave" situation resulting from the Israel-Hamas war.

During the phone call, Jaishankar stressed the necessity of averting the escalation of the war and giving humanitarian assistance to Gaza residents.

Earlier, PM Modi also spoke to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and discussed the dangers of the escalating Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. The two leaders exchanged their views on the threats posed by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The PM also had a telephone conversation with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan on October 23 where he expressed concerns about terrorism, violence, and the loss of civilian lives.

Image source: Wion