Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron convened via phone amid the West Asia flashpoint, advocating steadfastly for talks over confrontation. Their exchange on Thursday reflected a mutual resolve to steer the crisis toward peaceful shores.
Posting on X, PM Modi elaborated: ‘Had a conversation with friend Emmanuel Macron today on the situation in West Asia. We agree—the way out of this crisis lies in dialogue and diplomacy alone. We’ll collaborate to reinstate peace and stability, paving the way for normalcy.’
This diplomatic thrust occurs against the sixth day of fierce US-Israel strikes on Iran, prompting India’s somber response to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s demise. In a gesture of respect, FS Vikram Misri attended the Iranian embassy, inking condolences and honoring the loss.
EAM S. Jaishankar amplified these efforts, speaking with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi and Oman’s Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, fortifying India’s role as a peacemaker.
Regionally, Iran leveled charges against Azerbaijan for drone hits on civilian targets like an airport and school, confirming two injuries. Baku retaliated diplomatically, summoning Iran’s ambassador despite lacking US military presence but showing ideological leanings.
Iran’s toll from the bombings now stands at 1,230 lives lost, per the Foundation of Martyrs via Tasnim. Modi and Macron’s alignment offers a beacon of hope, urging restraint and collective action to douse the flames threatening global security.