Indian PM Urges Iran To Safeguard Freedom Of Navigation, Commercial Shipping And Seafarers Safety

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about shipping safety and the protection of seafarers during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, Sept. 11.

Modi reiterated that India wants all issues in the region to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, the Ministry of External Affairs said. He also spoke about the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce and ensure the safety of seafarers.

The ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global oil supplies. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly 20% of global petroleum flows passing through it.

India has also been affected by attacks on ships in the region. At least 10 Indians have been killed in the attacks, according to one account. Another said 10 Indian seafarers were among 16 Indian nationals killed so far in the West Asia conflict.

Modi and Pezeshkian discussed recent developments in West Asia during their meeting in New Delhi, ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit.

The United States and Iran resumed strikes against each other after fighting had largely paused in August.

The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi called for efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to the region. He also stressed the need to keep sea routes open and protect commercial trade and seafarers.

India has been trying to balance its ties with different sides during the conflict. It has historic and cultural ties with Iran, strong strategic relations with Israel and close relations with Arab countries, where millions of Indians live and work.

New Delhi has criticised Iranian attacks on merchant ships near the Strait of Hormuz. It has also criticised attacks on Gulf neighbours and energy infrastructure that have resulted in the deaths of crew members.

At the same time, India signed a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek condemning the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran and Western sanctions.

The September 11 meeting was the second between Modi and Pezeshkian in less than two weeks.

They last met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek on August 31. Modi had said India supported efforts to end the conflict.

At that meeting, Pezeshkian asked Modi to use India’s contacts with different parties to help move them away from war and bloodshed and back towards dialogue and agreement.

Tehran had also said it wanted a negotiated solution to its conflict with the United States.

India again raised the importance of keeping shipping routes open during the talks, according to sources.

Earlier in the day, Modi told the BRICS Business Forum that global trade could only move forward if sea lanes were secure, supply routes remained open and seafarers were safe.

Pezeshkian, who shared the stage with Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the forum, called on BRICS countries to create an environment where no country could disrupt the “legitimate trade” of others.

References: news18, hindustantimes