- Prime Minister Modi met Iranian President Pezeshkian at SCO Summit in Bishkek
- This was their first in-person meeting since the Iran war began in February
- The discussion topics remain unclear but may include the Strait of Hormuz blockade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek. It is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the war with Iran began in February.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest status of bilateral relations and emphasised the need to strengthen and expand joint cooperation between Iran and India in areas of interest to both countries, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other top Iranian officials were also present during the meeting.
Why the Meeting Matters
The meeting came at a time when the geopolitical situation in the Middle East remained tense amid ongoing war between the US and Iran. New Delhi was among Iran's top ten trade partners, but economic activities have been hindered due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and American sanctions against Tehran.
In June, PM Modi and Pezeshkian held a telephonic conversation, where the Iranian president briefed PM Modi on the developments in Middle East and the way forward. During the conversation, PM Modi welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict and reiterated the need for continued efforts for lasting peace and stability.
Pezeshkian, who has favoured a negotiated end to the conflict, earlier today stressed that Iran does not seek war but "will respond decisively to aggressors." His statement came after the US struck a small Iranian island in the first significant military action in a month.
The Iranian leader also noted that instability in the region was detrimental to all countries and emphasised the need for convergence to advance economic and security goals.
"This meeting is very important, and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it. In a situation where some international institutions are seeking to create a unified space in the world, this meeting is considered a symbol of the existence of diverse and independent voices in the global arena," he said.
PM Modi To Also Meet Putin
PM Modi also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various areas, including defence, economic, pharma, science and technology, culture, and education. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia. PM Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties.
Later in the day, PM Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
