Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The meeting signals a diplomatic effort to maintain stability in West Asia amid ongoing conflict and highlights India's role as a potential mediator in the region.
The discussion took place during the 26th SCO Summit [2]. This encounter marked the first meeting between the two leaders in two years [1]. The leaders focused on bilateral ties, regional stability, and the crisis in West Asia, reaffirming the importance of dialogue and freedom of navigation.
Modi emphasized India's desire to assist in regional peace. "India wants to play a constructive role in West Asia, and we are ready to engage with all stakeholders," Modi said.
Maritime security was also a primary point of discussion. "We reaffirm our commitment to freedom of navigation in the region," Modi said.
Pezeshkian expressed support for India's diplomatic positioning. "We appreciate India's balanced approach and look forward to enhancing cooperation," Pezeshkian said.
The talks occurred as both nations navigate complex relationships with other global powers. The leaders used the summit to align their perspectives on security challenges affecting the Eurasian landmass and the surrounding waters.
“"India wants to play a constructive role in West Asia, and we are ready to engage with all stakeholders."”
This meeting underscores India's strategic autonomy as it balances relations between Iran and Western powers. By positioning itself as a constructive stakeholder in West Asia, New Delhi seeks to ensure energy security and maintain the viability of trade routes while avoiding direct entanglement in regional conflicts.
