PM Modi, Pezeshkian discuss bilateral ties, West Asia situation
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Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, with discussions focusing on bilateral ties and the situation in West Asia.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other senior Iranian officials were also present at the meeting.
According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the two sides reviewed the latest developments in bilateral relations and stressed the need to strengthen and expand cooperation between India and Iran in areas of mutual interest.
In June, Modi and Pezeshkian held a telephonic conversation during which the Iranian President briefed the Indian Prime Minister on developments in West Asia and the way forward. Modi welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict and reiterated the need for continued efforts towards lasting peace and stability.
The two leaders had earlier spoken on March 21, when they discussed the security situation in the West Asia region in detail.
Modi is on an official visit to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.
Earlier on Monday, Modi met his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, besides exchanging views on the situation in West Asia.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X that the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including defence, economic affairs, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.
"They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia," the MEA said.
"PM Narendra Modi reiterated that India looked forward to working closely with Armenia to further deepen and expand bilateral ties," it added.
Modi also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek and interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered to welcome him.
The statue was unveiled during the Prime Minister's visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
"In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji’s thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds," Modi posted on X.
He also met members of various communities in Bishkek, including Yoga enthusiasts, academics, Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alumni and researchers.
"Met a group of people who have a close association with India. This includes prominent diaspora members, those passionate about the environment, Yoga enthusiasts, academics, ITEC alumni, researchers and more. Happy to see such continuous engagement with India. One of the Yoga practitioners was in Ahmedabad for the World Yogasana Championship and won a medal," Modi posted on X.
With IANS inputs