"Very timely, positive conversation": Former Indian envoy to Iran hails talks between PM Modi, Prez Pezeshkian
New Delhi, July 1
Former Indian envoy to Iran Dinkar P Srivastava on Wednesday hailed the conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, underlining that it came at a crucial juncture, as Iran seeks to rebuild after the conflict and revive its economic ties with India.
He said the timely conversation comes at a time when Iran has just come out of war, and the peace process is fragile.
"Iran needs to recover its market in India in order to finance reconstruction, and India, in turn, depends on energy security for this region. It used to buy oil, and it should again resume that purchase, but India is also interested in freedom of navigation through Hormuz because it also has relations with Arab countries across the Gulf," Srivastava told ANI.
Srivastava underlined the importance for Iran and India to resume old links.
"India can buy Iranian crude oil. Apart from that, we used to buy a lot of urea and LPG, and these are things which we need. This will generate revenue for Iran, and it is also looking for political support from India because India is also the BRICS chair. So it was a very timely conversation and a very positive conversation," Srivastava said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during which he welcomed the progress made in the negotiations with the US and reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait.
A PMO release said that President Pezeshkian briefed the Prime Minister on the recent developments in West Asia and the way forward.PM Modi welcomed the understanding reached and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
He reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a smart move by India. With Iran needing reconstruction funds and India needing affordable energy, reviving oil and urea imports makes perfect economic sense. The BRICS chair angle is also strategic. I just hope the US doesn't complicate things with sanctions.
Ye talk bahut timely hai. Iran post-war reconstruction mein help karega India to unka market recover karna. Aur hume bhi energy stability chahiye. Par kya yeh humare GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) relations ko affect karega? Diplomacy ka to khel hai, lekin sahi balance hona chahiye.
I'm curious whether these talks will lead to tangible agreements or remain symbolic. India's energy needs are huge, and Iranian oil is cheap. But the shadow of US sanctions is always there. The PM's emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy is the right approach.
I feel India should focus on its own interests first – energy security and trade. But I'm a bit skeptical about Iran's stability after the conflict. We need clear guarantees. Still, it's good to see Modi ji taking initiative. Diplomacy hi aage badhne ka raasta hai! 👍
Interesting timing. Iran needs friends, and India needs resources. The mention of urea and LPG is crucial – our farmers and households depend on these. But let's not forget the human rights concerns and the fragile peace. Hope this dialogue leads to real stability, not
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