Bishkek, Aug 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday called for intensified diplomatic efforts to restore peace and security in West Asia, with both leaders stressing dialogue and cooperation amid escalating regional tensions.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and the Shanghai Plus meeting in Bishkek, where they discussed bilateral ties and recent developments in the West Asia conflict.
Pezeshkian thanked India for its support and cooperation and emphasised the need to step up diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of insecurity and conflict.
“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,” the Iranian Embassy in India quoted Pezeshkian as saying.
The Iranian President also stressed the need for stronger communication and consultations between officials of the two countries and expressed Tehran’s readiness to further deepen bilateral relations with India.
“With Your Excellency’s attention and support, we can further deepen relations between the two countries and create new areas for cooperation,” Pezeshkian said, referring to the long-standing and friendly ties between India and Iran.
The two sides also discussed ways to expand economic and trade relations and strengthen strategic cooperation by making greater use of existing capacities, according to the Iranian Embassy.
Transportation and maritime affairs, developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz and progress in cooperation at Chabahar Port figured prominently in the discussions.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi and Pezeshkian exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and the recent developments in the West Asia conflict.
Modi expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Prime Minister also called for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
Calling for the safeguarding of freedom of navigation and commerce, Modi stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must not be harmed under any circumstances.
He specifically underlined the need to protect commercial shipping and seafarers amid the heightened tensions in the region.
India also reiterated its readiness to cooperate closely with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and the SCO.
Modi conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS Summit.
The meeting assumes significance amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the security of maritime routes, commercial shipping and regional stability emerging as key concerns for India and Iran.
