NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations Summit in Bishkek and discussed various aspects of bilateral ties.After the meet, PM Modi said that he reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to strengthen its 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,” PM Modi said.“We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace,” he added.Ministry of external affairs also said the two leaders had a fruitful meeting and discussed the recent developments in the West Asia region.The MEA also said that PM Modi underlined “continued efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.”“PM had a fruitful meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek,” MEA said.“The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties. They reviewed recent developments in the West Asia region. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the ministry added.Prior to his departure for Bishkek, the Iranian President had said that Iran does not seek war, but will respond with strength and determination to any aggression. He considered instability in the region to be detrimental to all countries and emphasized the need for convergence to advance economic and security goals.“This meeting is very important and most of the leaders of the region will be present in it. In a situation where some international institutions are seeking to create a unified space in the world, this meeting is considered a symbol of the existence of diverse and independent voices in the global arena,” he said.Emphasizing the ancient and civilized history of the countries of the region, the Iranian President stated, “We live in a region whose destiny, history, and civilization go back thousands of years, and we have always been in communication, coexistence, and growth with each other. Therefore, peace, security, economy, and civilization have arisen from this land, and it is natural that we should strive to expand this trend in today’s world.

“This year in March, Prime Minister Modi had spoken to the Iranian President. During the call, President Pezeshkian briefed the Prime Minister on the situation in Iran and shared his perspective on developments in the region.PM Modi had reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister highlighted India’s priority regarding the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region, including in Iran, as also the importance of unhindered transit of energy and goods.