On the fringes of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian. The two leaders are meeting in person for the first time since the war between US and Iran started in February.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the two sides discussed the most recent state of bilateral relations during the discussion and emphasized the necessity of strengthening and expanding cooperative collaboration between Iran and India in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting was also attended by senior Iranian officials, including Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
The summit took place during a period of difficult geopolitical conditions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Although New Delhi was one of Iran’s top ten trading partners, the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and US sanctions against Tehran have impeded economic activity.
PM Modi and Pezeshkian spoke over the phone in June, during which the Iranian president gave PM Modi an update on Middle East happenings and future plans. PM Modi praised the agreement achieved to put an end to the war during the discussion and emphasized the necessity of ongoing work for enduring peace and stability.
Earlier today, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not seek war but “will respond decisively to aggressors.” Pezeshkian has advocated for a diplomatic solution to the dispute. His remarks followed the US’s first major military operation in a month, which targeted a small Iranian island. The Iranian leader also emphasized the need for convergence to further security and economic objectives, pointing out that regional instability was harmful to all nations.
“The majority of the region’s leaders will be present at this crucial summit. This gathering is seen as a representation of the presence of varied and independent voices in the international arena at a time when some international organizations are attempting to establish a unified space in the world.”
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