PM Modi met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sideline of the SCO Summit 2026 in Bishkek (Img: Pinterest)
Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a crucial bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The meeting comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran continue to impact the geopolitical situation in West Asia.
The Modi-Pezeshkian meeting is being seen as an important diplomatic engagement as it marks their first bilateral interaction after the beginning of the US-Iran conflict in February this year. The talks took place shortly after fresh military exchanges between Washington and Tehran, adding significance to the discussions between the two leaders.
The meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and the Iranian President took place during the first leg of Pezeshkian’s visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and Shanghai Plus Summit.
The Iranian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting through a social media post, stating that both leaders held talks during the SCO gathering. However, details of the discussions have not been officially disclosed yet.
The talks are expected to have focused on regional security, economic cooperation, energy ties and the evolving situation in West Asia.
India has maintained strategic relations with both Western countries and Iran while emphasising dialogue and regional stability. The meeting reflects New Delhi’s continued engagement with key regional players amid rising global tensions.
Iran remains an important partner for India in areas including energy cooperation, trade connectivity and regional projects. At the same time, India has repeatedly called for peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
Before leaving for the SCO Summit, President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran does not seek war but will respond strongly to any aggression. He highlighted the need for regional cooperation and said instability affects economic growth and security interests of all nations.
Pezeshkian also described the SCO platform as an important forum where countries with different viewpoints can work together on global challenges.
The SCO Summit 2026 in Bishkek has brought together leaders from major countries including India, China, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. The summit is focusing on regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity and political coordination.
The 10-member SCO grouping includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Amid conflicts in West Asia and ongoing global geopolitical challenges, the summit has emerged as a major platform for diplomatic discussions between influential nations.
Following his meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit.
The meeting is expected to cover bilateral relations, global developments and issues of mutual interest.
