The first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the Iran war began comes as fighting has resumed and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, marking their first in-person talks since the Iran war began.
The meeting comes at a particularly sensitive time, with hostilities between Iran and the United States having resumed and tensions rising around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy and shipping route.
Modi stresses dialogue and diplomacy
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders discussed various aspects of India-Iran bilateral relations and reviewed recent developments in West Asia.
PM Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, while stressing the need for continued efforts towards peace and stability in the region.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, a key concern for India amid renewed disruptions and security threats in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
First meeting since Iran war began
The Bishkek meeting is significant as it is the first face-to-face interaction between Modi and Pezeshkian since the conflict involving Iran escalated earlier this year.
The two leaders had remained in contact during the crisis. In June, Modi spoke to Pezeshkian over the phone, during which the Iranian President briefed him on developments in West Asia and the way forward.
The latest meeting provides an opportunity for India to directly engage Tehran at a time when the regional security situation has become increasingly volatile.
Strait of Hormuz and energy security in focus
The renewed conflict has heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies traditionally passes.
For India, the security of the waterway has direct implications for crude oil imports, LNG supplies, shipping and the safety of Indian seafarers.
The United States recently carried out strikes on Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island, citing concerns over preparations to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran subsequently retaliated with attacks targeting US positions in the region.
Against this backdrop, Modi’s emphasis on freedom of navigation and commerce assumes added significance.
India seeks to deepen ties with Iran
Beyond the immediate crisis, Modi and Pezeshkian also discussed strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations.
Modi said India remained committed to its long-standing friendship with Iran and expressed India’s interest in expanding and diversifying the bilateral trade basket.
India and Iran maintain important strategic interests in areas including trade, connectivity, energy and the Chabahar Port.
The port is particularly significant for India’s connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia, providing an alternative route that bypasses Pakistan.
India calls for peace in West Asia
India has consistently called for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia, while maintaining engagement with all sides.
The Modi-Pezeshkian meeting comes as the wider region faces renewed military tensions, with attacks involving Iran, the US and other regional actors raising fears of a broader escalation.
For New Delhi, maintaining communication with Tehran while protecting its energy interests, commercial routes and citizens remains a key diplomatic priority.
Modi’s SCO diplomacy continues
The meeting with Pezeshkian is part of Modi’s wider bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
The Prime Minister has also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and is scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A possible interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping is also being closely watched.
With the West Asia crisis, energy security and regional connectivity dominating the geopolitical landscape, the SCO summit provides India with an important platform to engage multiple key partners at a time of heightened global uncertainty.
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