Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
The meeting was significant as it marked the first face-to-face interaction between Modi and Pezeshkian since the war involving Iran began in February. During the talks, the two leaders reviewed the current state of India-Iran relations. They also discussed ways to expand cooperation in areas that are important to both countries.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that both sides stressed the need to strengthen and broaden bilateral cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and several other senior Iranian officials also attended the meeting.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2026
We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in… pic.twitter.com/qagQy5o108
Why the Modi-Pezeshkian meeting matters
The meeting took place as tensions remained high in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. India has traditionally maintained close economic and diplomatic ties with Iran. Iran is also among India’s top ten trading partners.
However, the conflict has disrupted economic activity between the two countries. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has affected shipping and trade in the region. US sanctions on Tehran have also created additional challenges for India-Iran economic relations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial route for global energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have a wider impact on India’s trade and energy interests.
Modi and Pezeshkian spoke in June
Modi and Pezeshkian had previously spoken by telephone in June. During that conversation, the Iranian president briefed Modi on developments in the Middle East and discussed possible ways forward.
Modi welcomed the understanding reached at the time to end the conflict. He also stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. Their latest meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation again in person.
Pezeshkian rules out seeking war
Pezeshkian has repeatedly supported a negotiated solution to the conflict. Earlier on Monday, he said Iran does not want war but warned that the country would respond strongly to any attack. Pezeshkian said Iran does not seek war but "will respond decisively to aggressors."
His statement came after the United States carried out a strike on a small Iranian island. The attack marked the first significant US military action against Iran in about a month.
The Iranian president also said that instability in West Asia would harm all countries in the region. He called for greater cooperation to achieve economic and security objectives.
"This meeting is very important, and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it. In a situation where some international institutions are seeking to create a unified space in the world, this meeting is considered a symbol of the existence of diverse and independent voices in the global arena," he said.
Modi meets Armenian Prime Minister
Modi also held a separate bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the SCO Summit. The two leaders discussed ways to expand cooperation between India and Armenia. Their talks covered several areas, including defence, the economy, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.
Modi and Pashinyan also exchanged views on major regional and global developments. The situation in West Asia featured prominently in their discussions. Modi reiterated India’s willingness to work closely with Armenia to further strengthen and expand bilateral relations.
Modi set to meet Putin
Modi is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the SCO Summit and is expected to focus on India-Russia relations as well as major regional and international developments.
Modi will also attend the official opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. He will take part in the event at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.
The series of meetings highlights India’s active diplomatic engagement with key countries during the SCO Summit. Modi’s discussions with the leaders of Iran, Armenia and Russia come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and underline New Delhi’s focus on dialogue, regional stability and stronger bilateral partnerships.