Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Modi Urges Iran’s Pezeshkian to Protect Sea Routes
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Modi said ships should be able to travel safely and trade routes should remain open.
He also said sailors must be protected.
At least 10 Indians have died in attacks on ships in the region.
Modi said countries should solve their disagreements through talks instead of more fighting.
The meeting happened before a BRICS leaders’ summit.
The summit took place while the United States and Iran were exchanging attacks again.
India has criticized attacks linked to Iran, but it has also supported a statement criticizing the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran.
This shows that India is trying to maintain relationships with several sides.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian to protect navigation, commerce and seafarers.
India has been affected by vessel attacks in the region that killed at least 10 Indians.
Modi reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The leaders met ahead of the BRICS summit, amid renewed U.S.-Iran strikes after an August pause.
India has condemned attacks on Gulf neighbors, regional energy infrastructure and ships, while also backing a declaration criticizing the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- What
- They discussed regional conflict, safe navigation and commerce, and the protection of seafarers.
- When
- Friday, September 11, ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit; the leaders had also met on August 31.
- Where
- New Delhi, India; their previous meeting took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Why
- India wants dialogue, regional stability, open sea lanes and greater safety for seafarers after attacks on vessels in the region.
Dialogue and Regional Stability
Pressure and Military Response
How to address the conflict
Dialogue and Regional Stability
Modi and Pezeshkian emphasized negotiation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way to resolve disputes.
Pressure and Military Response
The conflict has also involved renewed U.S.-Iran strikes and economic pressure, which Pezeshkian said can disrupt legitimate trade.
India’s position toward the parties
Dialogue and Regional Stability
India has called for lasting peace, safe sea lanes and protection for seafarers, while maintaining ties with Iran, Israel and Arab countries.
Pressure and Military Response
India has condemned Tehran’s attacks on Gulf neighbors, regional energy infrastructure and ships, but also signed a declaration condemning the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran and Western sanctions.
- Main participants
- Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian
- Core issue
- Freedom of navigation, open commerce and seafarer safety
- Reported Indian deaths
- At least 10 Indians were killed in attacks on vessels transiting the region
- Meeting timing
- Held ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit
- India’s diplomatic position
- Disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy
- Recent meeting
- The leaders previously met on August 31 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
- Conflict context
- The United States and Iran had resumed tit-for-tat strikes after a pause during much of August