- PM Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
- This is the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the Iran war began in February.
- The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting, stating that Pezeshkian met and held talks with Modi during the first leg of his visit to Kyrgyzstan.
- Prior to his departure for Bishkek, the Iranian president said that Iran does not seek war but will respond with strength and determination to any aggression.
- He considered instability in the region to be detrimental to all countries and emphasized the need for convergence to advance economic and security goals.
- He called the meeting very important, noting that most regional leaders would be present, and described it as a symbol of diverse and independent voices in the global arena.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking their first in-person talks since the onset of the Iran war in February.12
The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting, stating, "Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, met and held talks with Shri Narendra Modi...". While the specific topics of discussion remain unclear, it is speculated that the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz was a key issue.3
Prior to the meeting, President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not seek war but will respond decisively to any aggression, highlighting the importance of regional stability. He stated, "This meeting is very important, and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it." He further noted that instability in the region is detrimental to all countries and stressed the need for convergence to advance economic and security goals.456
This meeting symbolizes the diverse and independent voices in the global arena, especially as international institutions seek to create a unified space.
“The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek, with the Iranian Embassy confirming talks during Pezeshkian's first leg of his visit. The Strait of Hormuz blockade may have been discussed, and Pezeshkian had earlier said Iran will respond with strength to any aggression.”
