Bishkek Meeting: Modi Meets Pezeshkian on the Sidelines of SCO Summit
Indian Prime Minister and Iranian President discuss bilateral ties and the latest developments in West Asia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, 31 August, on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The meeting focused on India-Iran bilateral relations and recent developments in West Asia. According to the Government of India, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the region.
Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the ongoing tensions in West Asia and reiterated India’s position that differences and disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The discussion comes amid continuing developments and heightened tensions across the region.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two leaders to review the India-Iran relationship. India and Iran share longstanding historical and cultural ties, and their bilateral engagement covers areas including trade, connectivity and regional cooperation.
Iran remains an important partner for India’s connectivity initiatives in the region. In particular, India’s involvement in the development and operation of Chabahar Port has been an important element of bilateral cooperation. The port provides India with a connectivity route towards Afghanistan and the wider Central Asian region.
Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian have maintained contact on issues concerning bilateral relations and regional developments. Their meeting in Bishkek takes place as both leaders participate in the SCO Summit, providing an opportunity for discussions on matters of mutual interest within the broader regional framework.
The Indian Prime Minister is in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit, which is bringing together leaders of member states to discuss issues of regional and international importance.
The Modi–Pezeshkian meeting in Bishkek highlights the continued engagement between India and Iran at a time of significant developments in West Asia. The two leaders’ discussion on regional tensions and the importance of dialogue places diplomacy at the centre of India’s stated approach to the current situation.
