Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on August 31, 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. The dialogue marked the first senior‑level exchange between the two countries since the war in Iran began in February 2026 and focused on regional stability and maritime security.
Modi urged Tehran to ensure peace and stability in West Asia and to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, he reiterated India’s long‑standing friendship with Iran, expressed intent to broaden trade ties, and pledged support for all initiatives aimed at lasting peace.
President Pezeshkian blamed Israel and the United States for the conflict and asked India to use its extensive contacts to facilitate dialogue. He emphasized Iran’s responsibility to protect its people, its focus on resolving disputes through negotiations, and its willingness to expand cooperation with India despite external pressures.
The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Modi called for “lasting peace” and “freedom of navigation and commerce,” and said he looked forward to welcoming President Pezeshkian to India for the upcoming BRICS summit.
Earlier, after an invitation in June, India sent a delegation comprising Governor Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (retd.) and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita to attend the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in July.
