NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to head to Kazan for the Brics summit, the Indian government has reiterated its call for renewed dialogue and diplomacy to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating throughout the West Asia region.

The summit is expected to focus heavily on the situation in Gaza and the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas both in attendance. Modi is set to hold a bilateral meeting with the Iranian President on Tuesday, following his initial discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Our position on West Asia has remained consistent and strong over time. We have clearly condemned acts of terrorism, and as the conflict has intensified, we have advocated for a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” stated Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. “To prevent the conflict from drawing in more parties and complicating the resolution process, it is essential to return to dialogue and diplomacy,” he emphasized.