Modi speaks to Iranian President on crisis in Gaza

Continuing high level international conversations on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with the Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

Continuing high level international conversations on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with the Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi.

The two leaders discussed the situation in Gaza as well as progress on the Chabahar port which received a major boost in August when both sides decided to avoid commercial foreign arbitration for disputes between users and operators. 

“Good exchange of perspectives with President Raisi 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,” said Prime Minister Modi in a message. PM Modi has been in contact with regional leaders since the conflict broke out on October 7. 

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On November 3, PM Modi spoke with the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the war which was followed by a telephonic discussion with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom. Prior to that he spoke to the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas and the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Arab states in the region have been active on the diplomatic front and held a meeting in Amman last Saturday and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

India has maintained productive relations with both Iran and Israel over the years and India-Iran collaboration on the port of Chabahar is an example. “The leaders also reviewed and positively assessed progress in bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the focus and priority given to Chabahar port in Iran,” stated a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs after Monday’s phone conversation between PM Modi and President Raisi. 

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