Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, with both leaders focusing on bilateral ties and the regional situation in West Asia. The meeting is described as Modi and Pezeshkian’s first in-person engagement since the start of the war involving Israel and Iran, following earlier telephone conversations concerning issues including navigation around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs readouts and reports quoting Modi’s remarks, the leaders discuss ways to expand and diversify trade between India and Iran, including Iran’s energy exports to India and India’s interests related to the Chabahar Port through an arrangement with Tehran. They also address freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers amid volatility in the region. Some outlets add that Modi signals readiness for cooperation in multilateral forums such as BRICS and SCO, including discussion of Iran’s position to be reflected in BRICS declarations.
While outlets vary in emphasis—some primarily framing the meeting as part of broader SCO diplomacy with upcoming talks involving other leaders—the core reported agenda across sources centers on trade expansion, regional security, and multilateral coordination in light of US curbs on Iran.
