Iran’s President Pezeshkian Seeks India’s Diplomatic Mediation Amid Escalating Tensions with US
KYRGYZSTAN — On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held high-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for New Delhi to leverage its global influence to help de-escalate the burgeoning conflict in the Middle East.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of rising regional volatility. Just one day prior, the United States conducted airstrikes on Iranian-linked missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the standoff. Tehran retaliated with a missile barrage aimed at a U.S. military base in Jordan, which authorities reported was largely intercepted.
A Call for Diplomacy
During the discussions, President Pezeshkian expressed frustration with Washington’s reliance on military force, characterizing it as a failure of diplomacy. “Instead of making use of diplomatic mechanisms, the Americans have chosen the path of war, insecurity and imposing their will through force,” the Iranian President stated.
Pezeshkian urged Prime Minister Modi to mobilize India’s international diplomatic reach, suggesting that New Delhi is well-positioned to steer global stakeholders away from further combat. He argued that certain elements within the U.S. political establishment have a vested interest in perpetuating conflict to suit their own strategic and economic goals.
“We believe that the solution to the issues we face lies in dialogue and cooperation, and that all available capacities must be [used] to prevent the spread of insecurity and conflict,” Pezeshkian said, specifically requesting that Modi use his extensive contacts to foster a pathway toward peace.
India’s Balanced Stance
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the historical ties between the two nations, noting that India has remained committed to maintaining open lines of communication with Tehran despite the “difficult recent period.”
Acknowledging Pezeshkian’s personal commitment to peace, Modi offered a diplomatic endorsement, stating, “From what I have come to know of your personality, you are a peace-loving person, and I believe that you can play an effective role in advancing the cause of peace.”
Modi expressed his conviction that while factions may exist that benefit from instability, the international community must prioritize stability. “My belief and conviction is that, ultimately, peace and security will prevail,” the Indian leader added.
Regional Cooperation and Future Relations
Beyond the immediate security crisis, the two leaders addressed bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing transport infrastructure projects.
Despite intense pressure from Washington and Israel aimed at isolating Iran economically and diplomatically, President Pezeshkian signaled that Tehran remains firmly open to deepening its partnership with India. The Iranian delegation emphasized that despite external restrictions, they view India as a key strategic partner for regional stability.
The summit in Kyrgyzstan has highlighted the delicate balancing act India continues to perform, maintaining a strategic partnership with the United States while refusing to sever long-standing diplomatic and commercial ties with Iran—a stance that positions India as a potential, albeit cautious, intermediary in the current regional crisis.
