Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday. If the meeting takes place, it would be the first interaction between the two leaders since the beginning of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The proposed meeting comes at a time when tensions in West Asia remain high, with the conflict continuing to have wider regional and international implications. Modi and Pezeshkian are expected to exchange views on the evolving situation and discuss matters of mutual interest.
The interaction could also provide an opportunity for the two sides to review India-Iran relations, including areas such as trade, connectivity and regional cooperation.
Meeting Comes Amid West Asia Tensions
Pezeshkian’s expected interaction with Modi assumes significance given the current security situation surrounding Iran. Tehran has been facing military and diplomatic pressure since the conflict began, while countries across the region have been closely monitoring developments.
For India, stability in West Asia remains important because of its economic, energy and strategic interests in the region. New Delhi has consistently emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving conflicts.
Bilateral Ties May Figure in Talks
If held, the meeting could see the two leaders discuss the existing areas of cooperation between India and Iran. Connectivity initiatives and economic engagement may feature in the conversation, along with broader regional developments.
The SCO summit is providing an important diplomatic platform for leaders to hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the main event. The Modi-Pezeshkian interaction is therefore likely to attract attention, particularly because it comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict.
The meeting, if confirmed, could offer both sides an opportunity to assess the rapidly changing regional situation and explore ways to maintain communication despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions.
