Engage & Start Dialogue With Afghanistan, Iranian President Tells Indian PM

During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the Islamic Republic supports any action that helps to establish peace and bring tranquillity to Afghanistan.

Pezeshkian said, "We should also interact and start a dialogue with Afghanistan. We must help the Afghan people to achieve peace, tranquillity and prosperity by solving their problems."

The leaders of Iran and India discussed the situation in Afghanistan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday evening (October 22).

In this meeting, the two sides emphasised on the importance of Chabahar port for the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

The Indian Prime Minister's Office said that the long-term contract for the Chabahar port is of great importance for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan and the strengthening of trade and economic ties with Central Asia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, "The development of Chabahar port is the biggest pillar of our cooperation, and we believe that this development plays an important role in regulating the relations between the two countries as well as the relations between Iran and India with other countries in the region."

In this meeting, the Iranian President said that Afghanistan should be helped to achieve peace and stability.

The Iranian president's office said that Pezeshkian referred to the Indian prime minister's concerns about Afghanistan's issues, saying, "We must build the future of the region with motivation and determination and have dialogue with Afghanistan."

The leaders of the two countries also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in West Asia.

Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and once again called for a reduction in tensions. He also stressed on the importance of protecting civilians and the role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.