Bishkek, Aug 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with the two leaders discussing bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation between India and Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other senior Iranian officials were also present during the meeting. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the discussions focused on the latest developments in India-Iran relations and the need to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting assumes significance amid continuing tensions in West Asia and the evolving security situation in the region. India has maintained close diplomatic and economic ties with Iran while also pursuing its broader strategic engagement with countries across the Middle East.
Modi and Pezeshkian have remained in regular contact over developments in West Asia. During a telephone conversation in June, the Iranian President briefed Modi on the regional situation and discussed possible steps towards ending the conflict. Modi had welcomed the understanding reached to end hostilities and stressed the importance of sustained efforts to establish lasting peace and stability.
The two leaders had also spoken on March 21, when they discussed the security situation in West Asia in detail. Their latest meeting provided an opportunity to review the rapidly changing regional environment and underline the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
India and Iran share longstanding civilisational and economic ties, with cooperation extending to connectivity, trade, energy and regional development. Iran’s strategic location also makes it an important partner for India’s connectivity initiatives in Central Asia.
The meeting with Pezeshkian was part of Modi’s wider diplomatic engagements during his visit to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Earlier on Monday, Modi met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across several sectors. The two leaders reviewed opportunities in defence, economic relations, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.
They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia. Following the meeting, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Modi reiterated New Delhi’s readiness to work closely with Armenia to deepen and expand bilateral ties.
Beyond his diplomatic engagements, Modi also took time to connect with the Indian community and people associated with India in Kyrgyzstan.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek. The statue had been unveiled by Modi during his visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
“Gandhi Ji’s thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds,” Modi said in a post on X after paying homage to the Mahatma.
He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, Yoga enthusiasts, academics, researchers and alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme.
Modi said he was pleased to see continued engagement with India among people in Kyrgyzstan and appreciated their contributions towards strengthening people-to-people ties.
His packed schedule in Bishkek reflects India’s broader effort to deepen strategic partnerships across Central Asia while maintaining dialogue with key regional stakeholders on security, connectivity, trade and peace.
