India's Modi challenges Iran on maritime freedom and safety of sailors

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday and underscored the need to protect the freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers, India's foreign ministry said.

The meeting took place on the eve of the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi, being held against the backdrop of the US and Iran resuming tit-for-tat strikes in their six-month-old war, after a pause in fighting for much of August.

India is walking a tightrope in the conflict, boasting historical and cultural ties with Iran, strong, strategic relations with Israel and close friendships with Arab countries, where millions of its nationals live and work.

The South Asian nation has been particularly affected by attacks on vessels transiting the region, which have killed at least 10 Indians.

"Prime Minister (Modi) reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," the ministry said in a statement.