India (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a long phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, hours after the United States launched strikes on three nuclear facilities of Iran. In the nearly hour-long conversation, Modi expressed serious concern and urged prompt de-escalation to restore peace and stability in the region. According to a statement posted by the Prime Minister on X, the two leaders “discussed in detail the current situation” and jointly highlighted their “deep concern at the recent escalations.” Mr. Modi reaffirmed India’s call for “immediate de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy as the way forward,” emphasizing the need for “early restoration of regional peace, security, and stability.”
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President Pezeshkian echoed those sentiments, praising India’s voice and influence in fostering peace. Iran’s leader thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s balanced position and willingness to advocate for dialogue over conflict. The call, initiated by the Iranian side, lasted around 45 minutes, according to Iranian media. During the discussion, President Pezeshkian described India as a friend and partner in promoting regional security. He expressed his appreciation for India’s stance and urged continued efforts toward diplomatic engagement and calm.
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The phone call followed a series of US strikes targeting three key Iranian nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. According to reports, the Fordow site, built secretly beneath a mountain near Qom, was hit by at least six B-2 stealth bombers early Sunday. Tomahawk cruise missiles were used to strike the Natanz and Isfahan facilities. Iran’s Fordow site is believed to hold thousands of centrifuges and was originally constructed as a concealed enrichment plant to withstand potential air attacks. Later in the day, US President Donald Trump addressed the nation, warning of “peace or … tragedy for Iran, far greater than we’ve witnessed over the last eight days.” From the White House, he declared that the strikes served as a serious deterrent.
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In response to an earlier Iranian missile strike on Israel, the Israeli Air Force carried out fresh airstrikes targeting military installations in western Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Istanbul, proclaimed that Iran “will defend itself by all means necessary,” targeting both US military aggression and what he called “reckless and unlawful actions” by Israel. Earlier this month, during an official visit to Cyprus, Prime Minister Modi expressed his concern over mounting conflicts in West Asia and Europe, saying, “We believe this is not an era of war.” Additionally, India’s Ministry of External Affairs also released a statement last week expressing deep concern over rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
The statement urged both countries to “avoid any escalatory steps” and encouraged them to utilize existing channels of diplomacy and dialogue to defuse the situation. It noted that India maintains strong, friendly relations with both nations and “stands ready to extend all possible support.” India has maintained its policy of strategic autonomy and nonalignment throughout the crisis. While a recent statement by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, dominated by China and Russia, strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes against Iran, India chose not to formally endorse that position. Remaining cautious, India is carefully managing its relations both with Iran and Israel and with other powers with interests in the region.
Furthermore, experts warn that any further escalation in the Iran-Israel war could severely impact India’s trade and energy relations across West Asia. Notably, this situation is dangerous for New Delhi, which maintains significant economic relations with nations including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and especially Israel and Iran. In fiscal year 2024–2025, India’s trade with Israel alone stood at approximately $3.7 billion, with exports totaling $2.1 billion and imports at $1.6 billion. Hence, any further conflict could disturb energy imports, investment, and regional stability. Overall, the phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian highlights India’s ongoing efforts toward restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy amid worldwide concern over instability. As tensions soar, the international community continues to watch closely for any shift toward military escalation or signs of successful engagement to rebuild trust.
