New Delhi: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged PM Modi over phone to use India’s capacities to ‘end the Zionist crimes against the oppressed people of Gaza’, news agency ANI reported.
The readout of the call between the two leaders said that Raisi had mentioned India as one of the founders of Non-Aligned Movement, and remembered the country’s struggles against Western colonialism.
‘Today, India is expected to use all its capacities to end the Zionist crimes against the oppressed people of Gaza,’ the statement reportedly read.
The Iranian President declared support for any global effort for a ceasefire and providing aid to the people of Gaza.
Ebrahim Raisi reportedly said that the continuing conflict in Gaza will have ‘extra-regional consequences’.
Raisi was quoted as saying: ‘Palestinian resistance groups have a legitimate right to confront the occupation of the usurping Zionist regime and all countries must support the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom from oppression.’
Iranian President asked why the Palestinian people’s resistance against Zionist regime is condemned while European countries' struggles against Nazi Germany was an admirable and heroic act.
Terming his country’s relation with India as ‘strategic’, Raisi said the North-South Corridor would benefit all countries in the region.
Raisi said that India is expected to make ‘serious investments’ for increasing economic cooperation including in Chabahar Port.
Prime Minister Modi reportedly told Iranian president of the importance of de-escalating the situation in Gaza, adding that India will continue to provide humanitarian aid and restoration of peace in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel’s continued strikes on Gaza further worsened the crisis causing vast devastation and casualties.
Israel began attacking Gaza Strip after Hamas overran Israel on October 7.