PM Modi, Iran Prez Raisi Discuss Israel-Hamas Conflict, India Reiterates Position on Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran President Ebrahim Raisi held a telephonic conversation on Monday to discuss the ongoing 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict and security issues in West Asia.

“The two leaders exchanged views on the difficult situation in the West Asia region and Israel-Hamas conflict,” the government said in a press release detailing the contents of the conversation between both leaders.

Narendra Modi expressed deep concern with Ebrahim Raisi over the October 7 terrorist attacks and expressed grief over the violence and loss of civilian lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India’s position on the Israel-Palestine issue has been consistent.

It should be noted that the Indian deputy permanent representative (DPR) to the United Nations R Ravindra last month during an UNSC meeting reiterated the need for pursuing a two-state solution in Palestine and urged global powers to come together for lasting peace while announcing that India has sent 38 tons of food and critical medical equipment to Gaza Strip amid the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.

“(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,” the press release said.

Later, the Prime Minister also in a post on X informed that he and Raisi held talks on the security situation in West Asia.

“Good exchange of perspectives with President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran on the difficult situation in West Asia and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives are serious concerns. Preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability are important. Welcomed the progress in our bilateral cooperation, including on the Chabahar port,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

Hamas terrorists launched a cross-border attack on October 7 which killed more than 1,400 people, mainly civilians, according to Israeli authorities. More than 240 hostages were also seized during the attack, news agencies have said. More than 23,500 people have been wounded across Gaza in four weeks of war. The death toll in Gaza City has surpassed 9,200.

PM Modi also heard Ebrahim Raisi’s and his nation’s assessment of the situation. “Both the leaders expressed emphasised on the need for preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability,” the press release said.

The leaders also assessed progress in bilateral relations between New Delhi and Tehran and welcomed the focus officials on both sides have laid on 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 release further added.