PM Modi meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan

The meeting came during Modi’s engagements at the 26th SCO Summit, where India is also holding a series of bilateral discussions with key regional partners.

Modi, Pezeshkian hold talks in Bishkek

Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian assumes significance amid continuing instability in West Asia and discussions among regional countries on security, connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Iranian President, before travelling to Bishkek, said Iran does not seek war but would respond with strength and determination to any aggression.

He also stressed that instability in the region was harmful to countries across the region and called for greater convergence on economic and security objectives.

"This meeting is very important, and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it," Pezeshkian said.

He described the SCO gathering as an important platform for diverse and independent voices in the international arena, particularly at a time when some international institutions were seeking greater global convergence.

Pezeshkian also highlighted the historical and civilisational links connecting countries across the region.

"We live in a region whose destiny, history, and civilisation go back thousands of years, and we have always been in communication, coexistence, and growth with each other," he said.

He added that peace, security, economic development and civilisation had emerged from the region and said countries should work towards strengthening those links in the contemporary world.

India-Iran ties amid West Asia tensions

Modi and Pezeshkian have remained in contact as tensions in West Asia have affected regional security, energy flows and the movement of people and goods.

In March this year, Modi spoke to the Iranian President over the phone.

During the conversation, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on developments in Iran and shared his assessment of the wider regional situation.

PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also underlined New Delhi’s priority of ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region, including those in Iran.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining unhindered transit of energy and goods, an issue that remains important for India’s economic and strategic interests.

Modi meets Armenia's Pashinyan

Earlier on Monday, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek.

The two leaders reviewed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including defence, pharmaceuticals, the economy, science and technology, culture and education.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.

Modi reiterated India’s willingness to work closely with Armenia to further deepen and broaden bilateral relations.

The discussions form part of Modi’s wider diplomatic engagements during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit.

Putin meeting, World Nomad Games on Modi's agenda

Modi is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his stay in Bishkek.

The Prime Minister is further expected to attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

The series of bilateral meetings comes ahead of the main SCO deliberations, providing an opportunity for India to discuss bilateral relations as well as broader regional developments with partner countries.

26th SCO Summit focuses on regional cooperation

The 26th SCO Summit is bringing together leaders of member states to discuss regional and international developments and ways to strengthen cooperation within the grouping.

The summit is also expected to provide a platform for discussions on security, counter-terrorism, economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, with the India-Iran engagement forming part of a wider diplomatic programme in Bishkek.