Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed expanding bilateral trade and the escalating conflict in West Asia during a meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek on Monday.
Modi told Pezeshkian that India wants to "expand and diversify" its trade basket with Iran in the coming years. The two leaders also discussed the evolving conflict situation in West Asia.
"Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors," Modi said on social media.
"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," he added.
The trade discussions come against the backdrop of the Donald Trump administration's "economic D-Day" campaign aimed at isolating Iran. Countries and companies continuing to do business with Tehran have been warned that they could face secondary sanctions and lose access to the dollar-based financial system.
The ministry of external affairs said Modi and Pezeshkian exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia and the evolving regional situation.
Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and reiterated India's position that issues should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy.
He also called for continued efforts to secure lasting peace and stability in the region.
"Calling for safeguarding the freedom of navigation and commerce, he emphasised that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances," the MEA said.
Modi also conveyed India's willingness to work closely with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and the SCO. He said he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit.
According to the Iranian readout of the meeting, Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for India's support and cooperation with Iran during the recent war. He also called for greater diplomatic efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
"From the very beginning of our administration, our efforts have been focused on ensuring peace and security and resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations," Pezeshkian said.
He accused the US of choosing "the path of war, insecurity and imposing their will through force" instead of using diplomatic mechanisms.
Pezeshkian also highlighted India's position in the region and globally, as well as the historical and cultural ties between India and Iran.
He urged Modi to use India's contacts with various parties to encourage them to move away from "war and bloodshed" and return to dialogue and agreement.
"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," Pezeshkian said.
