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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, with both leaders discussing issues ranging from bilateral relations and trade to the ongoing situation in West Asia.
Modi Reiterates India-Iran Relations
After the discussion, taking to X, PM Modi stated that India was committed to further strengthening its historic ties with Iran and increasing cooperation between the two countries.
Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India’s long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come.
We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in… pic.twitter.com/qagQy5o108
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
The Prime Minister also mentioned that both leaders discussed the prevailing situation in the region, adding that India would continue to support all efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
India Stands For Dialogue And Diplomacy
Speaking about the discussion, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed it as a fruitful engagement, wherein several aspects of bilateral relations between the two nations were discussed.
Jaiswal further stated that the latest developments in West Asia was also taken up during the discussion. According to him, PM Modi also reaffirmed India’s stand that all the issues in the region be sorted out through dialogue and diplomacy and not through conflict.
Meeting Takes Place In Time Of Iran-US War
The discussion between the two leaders is taking place at a sensitive juncture when Iran is already involved in a months-long war with the US. It may be recalled that Iran has been blocking ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz, which is the world’s critical shipping route for global energy trade.
Balancing Act By India
As tensions in the region continue, the meeting with Iran highlights India’s policy of engaging with major stakeholders in the region to ensure a diplomatic solution to the crisis. It is important to note that India has always stated that stability in West Asia and unhindered access to shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are important due to India’s energy and trade interests in West Asia.
The meeting in Bishkek is part of the many bilateral interactions PM Modi has had on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek.
Khushi Patel is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering automotive, technology, Lifestyle, entertainment, and mainstream news. She previously worked as a Copy Editor at Times Network and has written automotive editorial content, including comparison pieces, for TimesDrive.
