Modi, Pezeshkian discuss West Asia crisis; PM pitches diversified India-Iran trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek and discussed bilateral ties as well as the latest developments in the West Asia conflict.

During the meeting, Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India's position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, the Prime Minister's Office said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia.

Modi stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region and called for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.

"Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances," he said.

In a post on X after the meeting, Modi said India was committed to strengthening its "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 the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace," Modi said.

PM Modi’s remarks on diversifying trade basket assumes significance against the backdrop of the United States putting economic pressure on Tehran to arrive at a deal.

The prime minister also reiterated India's readiness to cooperate closely with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and the SCO.

He conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit.

Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday to attend the 26th SCO Summit and hold bilateral meetings with leaders on the sidelines of the grouping's annual summit.

He was received at the airport by Kyrgyzstan's Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev. A traditional Kyrgyz dance performance was also held to welcome him.

The SCO summit brings together 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer countries for discussions on regional and global issues, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The 10-member SCO is marking 25 years of the organisation, which was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.

In his departure statement on Saturday, Modi said he looked forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in "security, connectivity and opportunity", and working with SCO members for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

He said the visit would strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen its civilisational connect with the region and advance a shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.