Modi, Pezeshkian Hold Key Talks in Bishkek on Sidelines of SCO Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan’s capital on Monday.

The meeting marks the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since the outbreak of the conflict in West Asia earlier this year. The two sides had previously maintained contact through several telephone conversations, the most recent of which took place in late June.

Discussions focused on regional security, the ongoing situation in West Asia, energy cooperation, bilateral trade and connectivity projects, including the Chabahar Port. Issues related to energy security, shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the safety of Indian nationals in Iran also figured in the talks.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, President Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek war but would deliver a decisive response to any aggression. “We do not seek war; this is a message we have conveyed to the world. However, we will not remain silent in the face of any aggression. We will give a decisive response to the aggressors,” he said.

The talks are being viewed as an important step toward strengthening India-Iran relations and promoting regional stability. Prime Minister Modi is expected to have underscored the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.