Modi, Pezeshkian Discuss Maritime Security

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday, stressing the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce and the safety of seafarers.

The meeting took place on the eve of the BRICS summit, amid renewed strikes between the United States and Iran in their six-month-old war following a pause in fighting for much of August.

India maintains historical ties with Iran, strategic relations with Israel and close relations with Arab countries. It has been particularly affected by attacks on vessels in the region, which have killed at least 10 Indians.

Modi reiterated New Delhi’s position that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Speaking earlier at the BRICS Business Forum, he said global trade could progress only if sea lanes were secure, supply routes remained open and seafarers were safe.

At the same event, Pezeshkian criticized the growing use of economic pressure and called on BRICS members to create conditions in which no country could disrupt the legitimate trade of others.

(Reuters, max)