West Asia Conflict: EAM Jaishankar And Iranian Counterpart Discuss Role Of BRICS

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday held another phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, discussing bilateral cooperation and issues related to BRICS, where India is the current chair and Iran is a member.

This was the fourth such conversation between the two ministers amid the escalating crisis involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

The discussion followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday night to review the serious situation unfolding in West Asia.

On Friday, EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X, “Had another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi last night. Discussed bilateral matters as well as BRICS-related issues.”

According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments resulting from the “acts of aggression and atrocities” committed by the U.S. and Israeli regimes against Iran, and the impact on regional and global stability and security.

“He emphasized the firm resolve of the Iranian government, nation, and armed forces to exercise their legitimate right to self-defense against aggressors. The Iranian Foreign Minister stressed the need for regional and international bodies to condemn the military aggression against Iran. Highlighting the importance of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, Araghchi said it is essential for the organization to play a constructive role at this critical juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security,” said a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday afternoon after the call.

“During the call, India’s Foreign Minister expressed his country’s readiness to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation within regional and international forums. He also emphasized the importance of finding a way to strengthen sustainable stability and security in the region as a collective goal,” it added.

In his conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian late Thursday evening, PM Modi expressed concern over rising tensions, noting the loss of civilian lives and damage to infrastructure.

He reaffirmed that the safety of Indian nationals remains the government’s top priority while reiterating India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.

“Had a conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the serious situation in the region. Deeply concerned about the escalation of tensions, civilian casualties, and damage to infrastructure. The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and called for dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had contacted several Gulf leaders following the outbreak of conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and protect civilians.

“Our Prime Minister, as you know, has spoken to several Gulf leaders since the conflict began. In these conversations, he stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to bring about early peace. He also emphasized the importance of avoiding civilian casualties and focused on protecting civilians,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

“We have a large Indian community in the GCC countries, and their security and welfare are of utmost importance; this was highlighted. We also condemned violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity in several cases,” he added.

Responding to a question about vessel movements around the Strait of Hormuz, the MEA spokesperson said that EAM Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister discussed issues related to shipping safety and India’s energy security.

The conversation reflects India’s proactive diplomatic efforts amid the evolving situation.

Recently, Iran permitted Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between EAM Jaishankar and Araghchi, aiming to keep the vital sea route open for the transportation of crude oil and natural gas.

Sources familiar with the developments said Indian tankers ‘Pushpak’ and ‘Parimal’ successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz, even as ships from the U.S., Europe, and Israel continue to face restrictions in this strategically important waterway.