In tele talks with Iranian Prez Raisi, PM Modi reiterates India's longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on Monday exchanged views on the “difficult situation” in the West Asia region and the Israel-Hamas conflict with the PM expressing deep concern at the “terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives”.

In his telephonic conversation with Raisi, Modi also reiterated India’s longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue.

The two leaders exchanged views on the “difficult situation” in the West Asia region and the Israel-Hamas conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

“The Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India’s longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue,” it said. President Raisi shared his assessment of the situation. 

Both the leaders stressed the need for preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability, the statement said.  

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

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

The Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza and killed more than 1,400 people and took some 240 others hostage. Israel responded with a campaign of blistering airstrikes, followed by a ground attack, according to media reports.

Modi-Raisi tele interaction is considered vital from the geo-strategic and political context in the sub-regional and global developments.  

Prime Minister Modi and his British counterpart Rishi Sunak had a telephonic conversation on Friday. Both sides discussed development in West Asia and conflict between Israel and Hamas, and expressed deep concern on terrorism, worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives.

"Both leaders expressed deep concern at terrorism, worsening security situation and the loss of civilian lives. They agreed on the need for regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance," the PMO said in a statement.

In a post on X, Modi said, "Earlier this evening, spoke to UK PM Rishi Sunak. Discussed means to strengthen bilateral relations and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. We agree that there is no place for terror and violence." He added, "Death of civilians is a serious concern. Need to work towards regional peace, security, stability and continued humanitarian assistance." 

The statement said the two leaders reiterated their commitment to continuing to strengthen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, including in the areas of trade, investment, emerging technology, defence, security, health and others, officials said.

On Friday, PM Modi also held a tele conversation with the president of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed bin Zayedon. They discussed the war between Benjamin Israel and Hamas that has been going on a month now.  

In a post on X, Modi said they agreed on the need for early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation and that a durable regional peace, security and stability is in everyone’s interest.