PM Modi wants to expand Iran trade amid US curbs; calls for freedom of navigation, protecting the lives of seafarers

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek, in what was their maiden in-person engagement since the war and discussed expanding and diversifying trade ties and reiterated New Delhi's commitment "to strengthening India's long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors".

"Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come," Modi wrote on X following his meeting with Pezeshkian. This statement signals India's willingness to widen trade partnership with Iran amid the US sanctions on the Persian Gulf state.

During the meeting, Modi also called for freedom of navigation and protecting the lives of seafarers in the backdrop of the challenges faced by India amid the volatility in West Asia. Since the war, Modi and the Iranian President had held three telephone conversations on the Hormuz Strait navigation and the conflict situation.


Modi informed Pezeshkian of India's readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and SCO, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming President Pezeshkian to India for the BRICS summit here on September 12-13, according to an official.

It is understood that the two leaders discussed Iran's position on the war that it wants to be reflected in the BRICS declaration and India's views on BRICS unity.

The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including Iran's energy exports to India and retaining India's interests in the Chabahar Port through an arrangement with Tehran. They discussed the recent developments in the West Asia conflict and shared perspectives on the evolving situation, according to a readout by the Ministry of External Affairs.