NEW DELHI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed over the phone the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
Modi wrote on the social media platform X after the conversation that he and Trump had a "useful exchange of views" on the Middle East situation.
"India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest," wrote Modi. "Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability."
Earlier, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed the phone conversation on Tuesday between the two leaders, saying they "discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open."
Separately, Modi on March 21 also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on regional developments, where he reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. ■