File photos NEW DELHI: With the conflict in the West Asia region threatening to engulf energy infrastructure, and amid concerns about a possible LPG crisis at home, PM Modi spoke to the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, for the second time since the start of military hostilities and reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. In a post on X, Modi said he also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure “in the region”, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. While Modi has explicitly condemned violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of GCC countries, which are important for India’s energy and diaspora interests, he has not condemned the US-Israel attacks on Iran. However, in his last conversation with Pezeshkian, Modi told him that India was Iran’s friend.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran as Iranians mark Nowruz; UAE, Kuwait defences respond to missile barrageOver 20 nations issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of Hormuz StraitMissiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia: Iran tests long-range weapons; US rushes Marines and warships Pezeshkian also again urged India, as the current Brics chair, to leverage its “independent role” to halt the US-Israel hostilities against Iran. He further underscored that a prerequisite for ending the war is the immediate cessation of aggression by US and Israel, along with guarantees against their recurrence in the future, according to an Iranian readout of the talks.Separately, foreign minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the conflict in West Asia and its implications for the larger region.The conflict saw a dramatic escalation this week with Israel attacking Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran retaliating with strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a global LNG hub. Modi had spoken to the Qatar Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and leaders of other GCC countries and condemned the attacks on energy infrastructure in the region. On the attacks on energy installations, the PM has restricted himself to denouncing attacks “in the region” and not named any country.After the attack on its gas field, Iran had targeted energy hubs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE, apart from Qatar. On Saturday, the PM also extended Eid and Nowruz greetings to Pezeshkian. “We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia,” he said, while also thanking Iran for ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Claims Are Baseless” Says Former Envoy Sanjay Verma On Trudeau’s AllegationsRahul Gandhi Warns Of Inflation Wave Amid Rupee Fall, Slams Modi Govt Over StrategyVillage Playgrounds To Mega Stadiums: Yogi Adityanath Outlines UP Sports VisionIndia Weighs Return To Iranian Crude As US Grants Short Waiver During Oil Supply DisruptionTamil Nadu Elections 2026: Chidambaram Targets AIADMK-BJP Alliance, EPS’s Delhi Visits Trigger RowINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsINS Taragiri To Commission by April 2026, Fourth Project 17A Stealth Frigate to Join In 11 MonthsHandmade Rumani Semiya & Sheer Kurma | Ramzan Tradition from ChennaiHAL Reports Tejas Mk-1A, Prachand, Dhruv Orders Worth ₹2.22 Lakh Crore To Parliamentary CommitteePM Modi Discusses West Asia Crisis, Secure Shipping Routes With Iran President123PhotostoriesFamily history of type 2 diabetes? What you should start tracking now to prevent or delay the diseaseTaarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: From Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta to Disha Vakani; a look at the Educational Qualifications of the Cast7 traditional Indian drinks that are reasonably good source of protein6 mistakes people make while kneading atta and why the rotis don’t turn out right8 things that make you a typical Delhiite8 ways to rewire your brain and enter a higher dimension5 crucial marriage lessons to learn from Justin Bieber and HaileyWhy your body twitches, tingles, or has mini spasms: Hidden causes and proven ways to calm your nervous system7 mistakes that make dal lose its protein valueFrom Kotpad Tussar to Ghicha Silk: Kangana Ranaut serves ultimate saree goals123Hot PicksIran newsGautam SinghaniaStrait of HormuzGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingIga SwiatekAir India Boeing 77760% free seat ruleQatar LNG ExportsMojtaba KhameneiJames GraceySpring EquinoxDiesel price hike8th Pay CommissionPremium Petrol Price Hike
NEW DELHI: With the conflict in the West Asia region threatening to engulf energy infrastructure, and amid concerns about a possible LPG crisis at home, PM Modi spoke to the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, for the second time since the start of military hostilities and reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. In a post on X, Modi said he also condemned attacks on critical infrastructure “in the region”, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains. While Modi has explicitly condemned violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity of GCC countries, which are important for India’s energy and diaspora interests, he has not condemned the US-Israel attacks on Iran. However, in his last conversation with Pezeshkian, Modi told him that India was Iran’s friend.
Pezeshkian also again urged India, as the current Brics chair, to leverage its “independent role” to halt the US-Israel hostilities against Iran. He further underscored that a prerequisite for ending the war is the immediate cessation of aggression by US and Israel, along with guarantees against their recurrence in the future, according to an Iranian readout of the talks.Separately, foreign minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the conflict in West Asia and its implications for the larger region.The conflict saw a dramatic escalation this week with Israel attacking Iran’s South Pars gas field and Tehran retaliating with strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a global LNG hub. Modi had spoken to the Qatar Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and leaders of other GCC countries and condemned the attacks on energy infrastructure in the region. On the attacks on energy installations, the PM has restricted himself to denouncing attacks “in the region” and not named any country.After the attack on its gas field, Iran had targeted energy hubs in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE, apart from Qatar. On Saturday, the PM also extended Eid and Nowruz greetings to Pezeshkian. “We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia,” he said, while also thanking Iran for ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals.
![NIA (Image credit: ANI) As part of an anti-India espionage network, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a Kolkata-based man for allegedly passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs).Sharing details of the arrest on X, the official NIA India account said, “A Pak-backed spy, Zafar Riaz @ Rizvi of Kolkata, has been arrested in an espionage racket, in which he was engaged in clandestinely passing confidential security-related information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs) as part of an anti-India terror conspiracy.”According to the agency, the accused has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Official Secrets Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].“A Look Out Circular was issued against him and proceedings were also under way to declare him a Proclaimed Offender (PO) when he was taken into custody,” the NIA said in its press release.The agency further revealed during its investigation that the accused was married to a Pakistani national and had been travelling frequently between India and Pakistan since 2005.“During one such visit, he was contacted and cultivated by PIOs to carry out espionage activities in India in lieu of financial inducements and the promise of Pakistani citizenship,” the release added.NIA reveals alleged espionage networkAccording to the NIA, the accused allegedly facilitated espionage and terror operatives by sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) linked to Indian telecom mobile numbers with a PIO to activate WhatsApp accounts.The agency claimed these accounts were later used by the alleged PIO to communicate secretly with Motiram Jat, another accused in the case, who was allegedly involved in passing sensitive security-related information.Investigation continuesThe NIA said investigations are underway to identify other individuals linked to the espionage racket and uncover the larger conspiracy behind the operation.The arrest comes amid wider crackdowns by the agency across states including West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to dismantle alleged cross-border intelligence networks.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? 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With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A CatchItaly PM Giorgia Meloni Speaks Hindi During Joint Presser With PM Modi | Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment’Anarchic Mindset’: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi For ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit Shah’Warned India of Economic Storm, Then Flew to Italy on ₹4,000 Crore Jet’: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM ModiIndia Successfully Tests Suryastra Precision Rocket System With 300-Km Strike CapabilityThree Newly Married Women Die Within Five Days Across MP And UP, Families Allege Dowry Harassment123Photostories10 twin baby boy and girl names that are super cuteThey never smoked, but they got mouth cancer: What doctors want young people to know nowBella Hadid’s Cannes 2026 looks are a masterclass in quiet luxury glamour”Faltu khana na banaye, agar koi…” CM Yogi Adityanath urges people on being mindful while cooking: 5 tips on how to cook ‘right’ at homeMorning affirmation at 5 am: What happens when your brain hears positive words before sunriseInternational Tea Day 2026: 6 culinary uses of tea leaves apart from making teaUrvashi Rautela said ‘too much’ is the ultimate mood with not one but two extravagant gowns at Cannes 2026Exclusive – From Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to Dhurandhar, Rakesh Bedi and Asit Kumarr Modi get candid about their bond and journey; actor reacts to David Dhawan’s remark8 strange and uncomfortable signs you are going through a quiet spiritual awakening8 giraffe facts that shock even wildlife lovers123Hot PicksSBI apprentice recruitment 2026US Iran warCBSE Class 12 re-evaluation 2026Gold price predictionAdani Group stocksNEET exam cancelledMHT CET Result 2026Top TrendingCBSE Answer SheetTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan")
