India and Iran discuss trade expansion and regional stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to discuss expanding bilateral trade and regional stability.

PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to diversifying and strengthening long-standing friendly relations with Iran across various sectors. The leaders also discussed maritime cooperation regarding the Strait of Hormuz and continued collaboration on the Chabahar Port project. This follows the expiration of U.S. sanctions exemptions related to the port development.

During the meeting, President Pezeshkian expressed Iran's commitment to reaching a final agreement and sought India's support in promoting peace and stability in West Asia. He noted that certain elements in the United States seek to prolong conflict for their own benefit, asserting that war serves neither regional nor humanitarian interests.