New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iran President, Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, over the telephone on Monday, November 6, where both leaders “exchanged views on the difficult situation in the West Asia region and Israel-Hamas conflict”, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.Modi expressed “deep concern at the terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives” while also reiterating India’s “longstanding and consistent position” on the Israel-Palestine issue, the statement added.Good exchange of perspectives with President @raisi_com of Iran on the difficult situation in West Asia and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Terrorist incidents, violence and loss of civilian lives are serious concerns. Preventing escalation, ensuring continued humanitarian aid and…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 6, 2023The Iranian President shared with Modi his assessment of the situation in West Asia. Both leaders also emphasised on the need to prevent escalation, ensure continued humanitarian aid, and early restoration of peace and stability. They also reviewed progress in India-Iran bilateral cooperation, and “welcomed focus and priority accorded to Chabahar port in Iran for improving regional connectivity”.Both sides agreed to remain in touch given their shared interest in regional peace, security, and stability, the statement read.Over the past few days, Modi has spoken with the leaders of Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia. Modi had first spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reiterate “solidarity” with the Israelis on October 10.Modi engaged in a conversation with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on October 19, two days after the explosion at Gaza City’s al-Ahli Hospital had incited outrage in the Arab world. During their discussion, Modi subtly adjusted India’s position by reaffirming its longstanding support for the two-state solution. The third regional leader that Modi spoke with on Monday (October 23) was Jordan’s King Abdullah.Unlike most countries in the global south, India has refrained from explicitly advocating for a ceasefire up to this point. However, the mention of an “early resolution” appeared to signify a shift towards that position.The Israel-Hamas conflict erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into Israel from Gaza killed more than 1,400 people and took some 240 others hostage. Israel responded with a campaign of blistering airstrikes, followed by a ground attack, according to media reports.The reports have quoted the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza as saying that the Palestinian death toll in the conflict has surpassed 10,000.