SCO Summit: PM Modi Holds Meeting With Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The meeting took place amid ongoing regional tensions and discussions on strengthening cooperation among countries across Asia.

PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The two leaders discussed several areas of mutual interest, including defence, economic relations, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments, with the situation in West Asia featuring prominently in their discussions. Modi reaffirmed India's willingness to work closely with Armenia to further expand and strengthen bilateral relations. PM Modi is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Bishkek. He is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games following an invitation from Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

Before travelling to Bishkek, Iranian President Pezeshkian said that Tehran did not seek war but would respond firmly to any aggression. He warned that instability in the region could harm all countries and stressed the importance of greater coordination to achieve common economic and security objectives. Speaking about the SCO meeting, Pezeshkian described it as an important gathering because it brings together leaders from across the region and provides a platform for diverse and independent perspectives on global affairs.

The Iranian president also highlighted the deep historical and civilisational links shared by countries in the region. He said the nations of the area have maintained relations and coexistence for thousands of years and argued that continued cooperation could help promote peace, security, economic development and cultural progress.

The latest Modi-Pezeshkian meeting follows a telephone conversation between the two leaders in March this year. During that discussion, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on the situation in Iran and shared his assessment of developments in the region. Modi reiterated India's position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underlined New Delhi's priority of ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens in the region, including those residing in Iran.

India has also stressed the importance of keeping the movement of energy supplies and essential goods uninterrupted amid instability in West Asia. Iran remains significant to India's wider regional engagement, particularly in areas involving connectivity, trade and energy. The 26th SCO Summit is bringing together leaders of member countries to discuss major regional and global issues and explore ways to strengthen cooperation within the grouping. Alongside the main summit, PM Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with other participating leaders as India continues its diplomatic engagement on regional security, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships.