Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the need to maintain freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during a call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Modi welcomed the initial ceasefire agreement reached between Iran and the US that has paved the way for broader talks to find a lasting solution to the Middle East conflict.

He reiterated the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.

The Indian leader emphasized New Delhi’s “consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The US-Iran peace talks are clouded by the confusion over who controls the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it is entitled to charge a toll as part of the broad peace framework that will be in place after 60 days of negotiations, while the US insists that shipping traffic cannot be charged.

Spoke with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on the recent developments in West Asia. Welcomed the progress made in the negotiations and expressed hope that continued efforts will lead to lasting peace in the region. Reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 30, 2026

Pezeshkian had invited Modi to the state funeral for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, scheduled to be held between July 4 and July 9. New Delhi, however, is reportedly sending state governor Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita to the ceremonies as representatives.

Khamenei was killed on February 28, the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.