Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed sympathy with the Indian government and people over a deadly terror attack near Pahalgam in southern Kashmir, stressing the need for regional cooperation to confront terrorism. In a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic strongly condemns such terrorist and inhumane acts.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian emphasized that these incidents increase the shared responsibility of regional countries to eradicate terrorism and ensure peace through empathy, solidarity, and cooperation. He highlighted the legacy of India’s leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, hoping their message of peace will guide India’s international relations.

Pezeshkian also expressed hope for enhanced bilateral cooperation, suggesting that the Iranian port of Chabahar can serve as a strategic link between Iran, India, and Russia. He called for the acceleration of joint projects to achieve effective results and invited Modi to Tehran to explore further cooperation.

Modi thanked Pezeshkian for his sympathy, noting Iran’s understanding of India’s suffering due to its own experiences. He agreed on the importance of regional unity in combating terrorism and affirmed the positive trajectory of India-Iran relations, expressing New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties.

Furthermore, Modi supported Iran’s efforts to bolster regional and global stability, advocating for diplomatic dispute resolutions, including between Iran and the United States. He also expressed sorrow over the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran and offered assistance.