PM Modi Welcomes US-Iran Deal Without Naming Mediator Pakistan
New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 15 welcomed the tentative US-Iran peace deal, announced earlier today by Pakistan after 108 days of war following the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28. Modi did not name Pakistan.
"I welcome the understanding reached between the United States and Iran on ending the conflict in West Asia, which has caused serious economic disruption across the world and led to loss of life in many countries," Modi posted on X.
The loss of life of Indians in a recent strike by the US military on a Palau-flagged tanker off the Oman coast and the Modi government's inability to hold the US to account has been dominating the news of late.
"India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce," Modi wrote in his tweet.
Modi recently courted significant criticism after urging citizens to adopt austerity measures to cope with the economic crises following the war.
"We look forward to deliberations on the remaining issues reaching a sustainable final agreement," Modi added.
Details of the deal were not immediately released and Iran signalled implementation would not start until the signing, which key mediator Pakistan said would occur Friday in Switzerland.
Many have noted how Pakistan's role in not just hosting the talks in Islamabad but in brokering peace in a war that has held the world's energy supply hostage corners India, which has always been eager to score above its neighbour, on the diplomatic stage.
India had also welcomed the Pakistan-mediated two-week ceasefire between Iran and US in early April without any mention of its neighbour.
In the initial phase of the war, New Delhi appeared distinctly aligned with Israel and the US. PM Modi had famously visited Israel just two days before the escalation began on February 28. India has refrained from criticising US or Israeli actions, even taking time to formally respond to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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