Prime Minister on Monday met Iranian President for the first time since war broke out in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks on Tehran.
PM Modi held the bilateral meeting Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the 26th (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
In a post on X, Modi shared pictures from the meeting and said the two leaders discussed the prevailing situation in the region. He added that India would continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the region.
Quick answers to key questions
What topics did PM Modi and Iranian President Pezeshkian discuss at their meeting?⌵
PM Modi and Iranian President Pezeshkian discussed the prevailing situation in the region, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting efforts for lasting peace.
Why is the meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian significant?⌵
This meeting is significant as it marks their first face-to-face interaction since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, highlighting the importance of diplomatic dialogue during tensions.
How does the SCO summit facilitate dialogue on the US-Iran war?⌵
The SCO summit provides a platform for discussing regional security issues, including the US-Iran war, as Iran is a member of the organization and regional stability is a key agenda.
What is India’s approach towards Iran amidst the ongoing US-Iran conflict?⌵
India aims to maintain its long-standing friendship with Iran and is interested in supporting stability and peace in the region despite the ongoing conflict.
What are the broader implications of Modi’s discussions with Pezeshkian for India-Iran relations?⌵
Modi’s discussions with Pezeshkian could lead to a diversification and strengthening of trade ties between India and Iran, reinforcing their historical relations amidst current geopolitical challenges.
‘Committed to strengthen India-Iran friendship’
The leaders also reiterated their 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,” Modi wrote.
In a statement the government said the leaders discussed bilateral ties apart from the evolving situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister also expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the region while reiterating India’s stance that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
“Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, he emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances,” the statement read.
The PM also conveyed to Pezeshkian that he looked forward to welcoming him to India for the BRICS Summit.
Situation in West Asia
The meeting comes against a backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia with Iran targeting US military bases in Jordan. According to a Reuters report citing Iranian foreign ministry, the attack was in response to US attack on Larak Island.
The ministry said the US bases in Jordan were used to launch and support the attack on Larak. The attack, reportedly, killed and wounded members of Iran’s armed forces and civilians.
Apart from US bases in Jordan, Iran also attacked United Arab Emirates’ Al Minhad Air Base with drones on Monday, according to ranian state TV, citing a statement from the army.
The army said the attack targeted locations where US forces and helicopters were stationed at the base.
Attack on tanker in Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guards also targeted a supertanker in the Strait of Hormuz with naval mines in the southern Strait of Hormuz, Iranian TV reported.
The Guards said the tanker had been attempting to pass through the waterway illegally. They warned that other ships violating its security rules would face the same fate and said compliance with its regulations for passage through the Strait of Hormuz was mandatory.
