Modi tells Iran India wants broader trade, urges dialogue on West Asia

At the SCO summit in Bishkek, Narendra Modi met Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The talks underscored India's push for stronger regional partnerships and a diplomatic path to peace.Stock photo used for illustrationPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that India wants to "expand and diversify" its trade basket with Iran in the coming years, while also calling for the West Asia conflict to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek.The talks focused on India-Iran ties, the regional situation and cooperation in multilateral forums. Modi also held a separate bilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, where the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in sectors such as defence, IT, space, education and pharmaceuticals.After his meeting with Pezeshkian, Modi said on social media, "Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors." He added, "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."The Ministry of External Affairs said the two leaders discussed the West Asia conflict and shared their views on the evolving situation. It said Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and reiterated India's position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region. The MEA said he called for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers, "must not be harmed under any circumstances". The MEA also said Modi conveyed India's readiness to work closely with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and the SCO, and told Pezeshkian that he looked forward to welcoming him to India for the BRICS Summit.According to an Iranian readout, Pezeshkian expressed "appreciation" for India's support and cooperation with Iran during the recent war and stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts for peace and security in the region. He said, "From the very beginning of our administration, our efforts have been focused on ensuring peace and security and resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations." He added, "Unfortunately, instead of making use of diplomatic mechanisms, the Americans have chosen the path of war, insecurity and imposing their will through force." Pezeshkian also said, "Our responsibility requires us to protect our people from danger and insecurity and to create the conditions necessary for them to achieve peace, tranquility and security." The Iranian president referred to India's position and capacities in the region and the world, and the deep historical and cultural ties between the two countries. He urged Modi to use India's extensive contacts with various parties to help move them away from "the path of war and bloodshed" and back to dialogue and agreement. Pezeshkian said the wish of "wise and responsible" actors in the region and the world was for peace, security, tranquility and avoiding war. He added, "We believe that the solution to the issues we face lies in dialogue and cooperation, and that all available capacities must be mobilised to prevent the spread of insecurity and conflict."Modi also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the summit. After the meeting, he said, "A wonderful meeting with Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek." He added, "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." The day's meetings centred on India's push to deepen bilateral ties while backing peace and stability in the region through dialogue.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 31, 2026 18:16 IST