The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: Amid heightened regional tensions as Israel weighs a potential retaliatory strike against Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time, expressing “deep concern” over the escalating conflict in West Asia.
The meeting took place in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday (October 22) where leaders gathered for the BRICS summit. This year’s summit marks the first participation of Iran – along with Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia – as full members.
It was also Modi’s first meeting with Pezeshkian after Iran’s elections, which were held following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.
At a media briefing, Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri said that there was discussion on West Asia.
“The prime minister expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians, the prevention of harm to civilians.
“He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions,” said Misri.
The region, home to a significant Indian diaspora, has seen an outbreak of violence since Hamas’s October 7, 2023 terror attack on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and in which it took 251 people hostage.
In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza, which has resulted in over 42,000 deaths.
On October 1 this year, Iran carried out its second direct missile strike on Israel, claiming it was retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Since then, West Asia has been bracing for an anticipated Israeli response.
Misri also noted that President Pezeshkian stressed the “need for peace and harmony in the region and the role India could play in de-escalating the conflict, given its good relations with all the parties involved.”
Afghanistan was also on the agenda, with both sides underlining the “importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, alongside continuing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan,” Misri said.
There was further dialogue on “seamless connectivity” in the region, with India involved in the development of Iran’s Chabahar port.
“In this context, the recent signing of the long-term main contract for the development of Chabahar Port in Iran further strengthens the commitment of both countries to collaboration in these sectors. This is also significant for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan, as well as for enhancing trade, economic, and people-to-people ties with the countries of Central Asia,” Misri added.