Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in crucial discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, focusing on bilateral relations and the escalating geopolitical tensions in the West Asia region.
Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Pezeshkian discussed bilateral ties and recent developments in the West Asia region during their meeting at the SCO summit.
Modi reiterated India's consistent position that all issues in West Asia must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
PM Modi emphasised the need for continued efforts to ensure peace, stability, and safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce in the region.
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that Iran does not seek war but will respond with strength to any aggression, highlighting the importance of regional convergence.
Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan, discussing cooperation in defence, economy, pharma, and technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday that India wants to "expand and diversify" trade basket with Iran in the "times to come" and that it will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in West Asia.
Modi held talks with Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in this capital city of Kyrgyzstan.
"Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors," the prime minister said on social media.
"We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace," he said.
"The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties. They reviewed recent developments in the West Asia region. Prime Minister reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," the Ministry of External Affairs said on X.
"Prime Minister also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce," it added.
Modi also held a separate bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"A wonderful meeting with Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek," the prime minister said.
"India-Armenia cooperation is all set to grow in defence, IT, space, education, pharmaceuticals and more. We are equally certain to deepen trade and investment linkages in the times to come," he said.
