Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on Monday as the two leaders held discussions on the state of bilateral relations and the evolving situation in West Asia. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in the Kyrgyz capital.
Senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, were present during the discussions. The two sides reviewed recent developments in the relationship between India and Iran and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in areas that serve the interests of both countries.
The meeting continued a series of recent exchanges between Modi and Pezeshkian, with West Asia remaining an important subject of discussion. In June, the two leaders spoke by telephone, during which the Iranian President briefed Modi on regional developments and possible steps forward.
During that conversation, Modi welcomed the understanding aimed at ending the conflict and stressed the importance of sustained efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. The two leaders had also discussed the West Asia security situation during an earlier conversation in March.
Modi is currently in Kyrgyzstan on an official visit to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. His visit also includes attendance at the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
The meeting with the Iranian President was among several diplomatic engagements undertaken by Modi in Bishkek. Earlier in the day, he met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with the leaders discussing opportunities to strengthen cooperation between India and Armenia.
Their discussions covered several sectors, including defense, economic relations, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Modi reiterated India’s interest in working closely with Armenia to further deepen and broaden bilateral relations.
During his visit to Bishkek, Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at a memorial in the city. The Gandhi statue was unveiled during the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015. Modi said Gandhi’s ideas would continue to have a lasting influence.
The Prime Minister also interacted with members of communities that maintain close connections with India, including members of the diaspora, environmental advocates, yoga practitioners, academics, ITEC alumni and researchers.
Modi’s meetings in Bishkek reflect India’s continued diplomatic engagement with regional partners as leaders gather for the SCO Summit. The discussions with Iran and Armenia highlighted India’s focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation while exchanging views on major regional developments, particularly the ongoing challenges affecting West Asia.
