Bishkek, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held detailed discussions on bilateral relations and the evolving situation in West Asia during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Monday.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India-Iran relations across multiple sectors and discussed opportunities to expand economic engagement. They also reviewed the prevailing security situation in West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s consistent position that regional disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
After the meeting, Modi said India remained committed to its longstanding friendship with Iran and expressed an interest in expanding and diversifying bilateral trade.
“Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India’s long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come,” Modi said in a post on X.
The Prime Minister added that the two leaders discussed the situation in the region and stressed that India would continue supporting efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi also underlined the importance of continued efforts to maintain peace and stability in West Asia. He stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce, an issue of particular importance amid heightened tensions affecting regional trade and transport routes.
India’s engagement with Iran carries strategic significance, with the two countries sharing longstanding civilisational links as well as economic and connectivity interests. New Delhi has consistently maintained that stability in West Asia is important not only for regional peace but also for international trade, energy security and connectivity with Central Asia.
Modi is in Kyrgyzstan as part of an official visit to attend the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. His visit has also provided an opportunity for a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from the region and other SCO members.
Earlier on Monday, Modi met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek. The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in areas including defence, information technology, space, pharmaceuticals, education, science and technology, as well as trade and investment.
Following the meeting, Modi described the discussions as “wonderful” and said India-Armenia cooperation was poised to grow across several strategic and economic sectors.
“India-Armenia cooperation is all set to grow in defence, IT, space, education, pharmaceuticals and more. We are equally certain to deepen trade and investment linkages in the times to come,” Modi posted on X.
The MEA said Modi reiterated India’s commitment to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral relations. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.
Apart from his diplomatic engagements, Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek and interacted with members of the Indian community. The Gandhi statue was unveiled by Modi during his previous visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
The Prime Minister also met people associated with India through various fields, including Yoga, academia, environmental initiatives, research and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
Modi highlighted the continued interest and engagement with India among people in Kyrgyzstan, noting that one of the Yoga practitioners he met had represented the country at the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad and won a medal.
His engagements in Bishkek underline India’s broader diplomatic outreach in Central Asia, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, expanding trade and investment, enhancing connectivity and promoting peace and stability across the region.
