PM Narendra Modi called for freedom of navigation and commerce while stressing that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers, must not be harmed under any circumstances in a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Despite the threat of US sanctions, both leaders backed efforts to expand trade ties.The leaders discussed the West Asia situation, including the Strait of Hormuz situation and Chabahar port cooperation amid the threat of US sanctions, in what was their first formal bilateral meeting in nearly 2 years. Modi expressed concern over escalation of tensions and reiterated the significance of resolving all issues through dialogue and diplomacy, while seeking lasting peace and stability in the region.Blaming the US for failing to fulfil its commitments and declaring that continuation of war is not in the interest of humanity, Pezeshkian urged Modi to use India’s “extensive” contacts to wean away parties involved from the path of bloodshed and war. The president also called for expanding bilateral cooperation in political, economic, scientific, cultural and other areas of mutual interest, saying this would neutralise the impact of sanctions and further elevate the relationship.Modi and Pezeshkian last had a bilateral meeting on the margins of the BRICS summit in Kazan in 2024. It provided an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, as Modi underlined India’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing “friendship” with Iran across diverse sectors.“We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” said Modi in a post on X.According to an Iranian readout, Pezeshkian told Modi that despite efforts by the US and Israel to create roadblocks in Iran’s ties with other countries, Tehran was ready to expand its cooperation with India across various fields.The readout also said that Modi backed Pezeshkian’s view regarding the existence of groups that see their interests in the continuation of war. “I agree with you that there are those who see their interests in war, but we must intensify our efforts to establish peace. My belief and conviction is that, ultimately, peace and security will prevail,” said Modi, according to Iran.Modi also reiterated India’s readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organizations, including BRICS and SCO and told Pezeshkian he was looking forward to welcoming him for the BRICS Summit in India.
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“From what I have come to know of your personality, you are a peace-loving person, and I believe that you can play an effective role in advancing the cause of peace. I am confident that your efforts will ultimately lead to positive results,” said Modi in the meeting, according to the Iranian readout.The PM was also quoted as saying that Iran and India have ancient and deep-rooted relations and this historical and cultural heritage can serve as a valuable foundation for expanding cooperation. Transportation and maritime affairs, developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, and progress in Chabahar port cooperation were among the most important issues discussed by the two sides, said the Iranian statement.
