Modi holds talks with Iranian President at SCO summit in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on Wednesday. The bilateral meeting comes as India strengthens ties with regional powers across South and Central Asia through multilateral forums.

The SCO summit, which brings together member states including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, provides a key platform for dialogue on shared regional interests. India has consistently used such multilateral gatherings to advance bilateral relationships with key strategic partners.

The meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian reflects the importance both nations place on maintaining channels of communication, particularly given their overlapping interests in regional stability, counterterrorism cooperation and trade. Iran has maintained observer status at the SCO, giving it a significant role in the organisation's deliberations.

The summit in Bishkek offers member states an opportunity to coordinate on security challenges, economic cooperation and infrastructure development across the Eurasian region. India's engagement at the summit demonstrates its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relationships across South and Central Asia.