Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan, appealing to New Delhi to leverage its global diplomatic network to help de-escalate the ongoing war between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. Expressing gratitude for India’s continued partnership despite foreign pressure, Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran favors dialogue over force. He criticized Washington for opting for military action instead of diplomatic channels and claimed that certain factions within the United States benefit from prolonging the conflict.
The high-level discussions covered bilateral relations, maritime affairs, and security surrounding the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The meeting occurred immediately after a dangerous escalation in the region, following U.S. strikes on Iranian rocket launchers at Larak Island and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory missile barrage targeting a U.S. military base in Jordan. Despite the mounting regional tension and international sanctions, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s intent to broaden economic and political ties with India.
Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the challenging geopolitical landscape, noting that India has deliberately worked to maintain open channels of communication and cooperation with Iran throughout the crisis. Endorsing Pezeshkian’s diplomatic posture, Modi condemned those who profit from conflict and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting regional stability. He expressed optimism that dedicated diplomatic efforts would eventually counter the cycle of violence and restore lasting peace.
