New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on Monday exchanged views on the 'difficult situation' in the West Asia region and the Israel-Hamas conflict with the PM expressing deep concern at the 'terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives'.
In his telephonic conversation with Raisi, Modi also reiterated India's longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue.
The two leaders exchanged views on the 'difficult situation' in the West Asia region and the Israel-Hamas conflict, a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
'The Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives. He reiterated India's longstanding and consistent position on the Israel-Palestine issue,' it said.
President Raisi shared his assessment of the situation.
Both the leaders stressed the need for preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and early restoration of peace and stability, the statement said.
The leaders also reviewed and positively assessed progress in multifaceted bilateral cooperation.
Modi and Raisi welcomed focus and priority accorded to the Chabahar Port in Iran for improving regional connectivity.
Both sides agreed to remain in touch given shared interest in regional peace, security and stability, the statement read.
The Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza and killed more than 1,400 people and took some 240 others hostage. Israel responded with a campaign of blistering airstrikes, followed by a ground attack, according to media reports.
The reports have quoted Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza as saying that the Palestinian death toll in the conflict has surpassed 10,000.
Published 06 November 2023, 14:34 IST