India has signalled renewed diplomatic engagement in the Middle East crisis after Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, held a conversation with Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, to discuss the rapidly escalating situation in the region.
In a public statement shared on social media late on 12 March, Modi confirmed that the two leaders discussed the deteriorating regional security environment and the growing humanitarian consequences of the conflict. The Indian Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, particularly the loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian infrastructure that have accompanied the ongoing hostilities.
The call comes at a time when geopolitical tensions across the Middle East are intensifying amid the widening confrontation involving United States, Israel, and Iran. The evolving crisis has raised significant concerns in New Delhi due to its potential impact on energy security, maritime trade routes and the safety of Indian nationals working across the Gulf region.
According to the statement, Modi emphasised that the safety and security of Indian citizens abroad remain a top priority for the government. India has one of the largest expatriate communities in the Middle East, with millions of Indian workers living and working across Gulf economies. Any escalation in regional conflict therefore carries immediate diplomatic and humanitarian implications for New Delhi.
Another key issue raised during the conversation was the uninterrupted transit of goods and energy supplies. India is heavily dependent on energy imports from the Gulf, particularly crude oil shipments that pass through strategically important maritime corridors. Ensuring the continued flow of energy and trade through these routes is critical for India’s economic stability and industrial supply chains.
The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s longstanding diplomatic position that disputes in the region must be resolved through dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than military confrontation. He stressed India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged all parties involved to prioritise diplomacy.
Foreign policy analysts note that India has traditionally maintained balanced relations with multiple actors in the Middle East, including Iran, Israel and the Gulf states. This diplomatic balancing strategy allows New Delhi to remain engaged with competing regional powers while safeguarding its economic and strategic interests.
The conversation between Modi and Pezeshkian reflects India’s broader effort to remain actively involved in regional diplomacy at a moment of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. As tensions continue to evolve, India is likely to prioritise crisis management, protection of its citizens abroad and the stability of global energy flows that remain vital to its economy.