Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The meeting marked the first interaction between the two leaders in two years, with India reiterating its support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, "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. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace."
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the interaction as a "fruitful meeting."
"The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties. They reviewed recent developments in the West Asia region. Prime Minister reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce," Jaiswal said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other senior delegates from Tehran also attended the meeting.
The meeting followed a recent telephone conversation between PM Modi and President Pezeshkian, during which the Iranian leader briefed the Indian Prime Minister on developments in West Asia and the way forward.
During the conversation, PM Modi welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict and stressed the need for continued efforts towards lasting peace and stability.
The two leaders had earlier spoken on March 21, when they discussed the security situation in West Asia in detail.
PM Modi is currently on an official visit to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Earlier on Monday, Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek.
The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across several sectors, besides exchanging views on the situation in West Asia.
Following the meeting, the MEA said on X, "The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across various areas including defence, economic, pharma, science and technology, culture and education. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia."
"PM Narendra Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties," the MEA added.
As part of his engagements in Bishkek, PM Modi also visited the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and paid tribute to Bapu.
He interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered at the site to welcome him. The statue was unveiled during Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
"In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji's thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds," PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister also interacted with members of different communities in Bishkek, including Yoga practitioners, academics, ITEC alumni and researchers.
"Happy to see such continuous engagement with India. One of the Yoga practitioners was in Ahmedabad for the World Yogasana Championship and won a medal," PM Modi said on X after the interaction.