Modi and Pezeshkian Discuss Trade and Regional Peace in Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting on Monday in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during the SCO Summit. The leaders focused on reviving the Chabahar port and strengthening bilateral trade ties.

During the discussions, Modi emphasized the necessity of diplomacy, dialogue, and ensuring the safety of the Hormuz Strait to address the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Former Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar described the meeting as a "very powerful message" regarding regional problem-solving, particularly in the context of the Mecca Pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

The diplomatic activity coincided with a reported positive shift in India-China relations. This follows a visit to Beijing by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and precedes a scheduled visit by President Xi Jinping to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit to resolve existing tensions.