Our Bureau
Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, with the two leaders discussing India-Iran relations and the continuing situation in West Asia.
Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability to the region, stressing that outstanding issues should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and commerce amid heightened regional tensions.
Following the meeting, PM Modi said India remained committed to strengthening its longstanding friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. He added that New Delhi wanted to “expand and diversify” its trade basket with Tehran in the coming years.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the meeting as fruitful, saying the leaders reviewed recent developments in West Asia and exchanged perspectives on the evolving situation. Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of resolving regional issues through peaceful means.
The meeting assumes significance against the backdrop of continuing instability in West Asia and concerns over disruptions to regional trade and maritime commerce. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments, has emerged as a particular concern for India because disruptions could affect energy supplies, shipping and commercial activity.
The Modi-Pezeshkian meeting was also notable as their first in-person interaction since the conflict involving Iran began earlier this year. The two leaders have remained in contact during the crisis through telephone conversations.