PM Modi Meets Iran President Pezeshkian, Discusses Trade, Regional Peace And Seafarers’ Safety
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on Monday, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral trade, the situation in West Asia and the safety of commercial shipping and seafarers.
The meeting coincided with increased pressure from the United States on countries and companies that continue their economic relations with Iran. Washington has said companies doing business with Tehran may be subjected to “secondary sanctions” as the Trump administration pushes for more measures to cut Tehran’s access to the international financial system.
Modi and Pezeshkian during the meeting discussed how to enhance and diversify trade between Iran and India. India will continue to upgrade its existing cooperation with Tehran in various areas, Modi said.
The two leaders also spoke about the changing dynamics in West Asia. Modi restated India’s stance that there should be peaceful resolution of issues between the countries through dialogue and diplomacy, and expressed his hope that the peace and stability will be maintained for a long time.
Safety of commercial shipping and seafarers was also a critical point raised in the talks, especially in the wake of growing tensions in the region that impact maritime routes.
Modi underlined the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, commercial vessels and seafarers in all circumstances.
With the ongoing conflicts in the west Asia, the issue gains importance as it has posed security challenges to the shipping and maritime traffic, including along the strategic shipping routes.
The Iranian side praised India’s support and cooperation and requested to expand its diplomatic engagement for peace and stability in West Asia, the president Pezeshkian said.
Peace and dialogue were Iran’s preferred options to conflict, and Iran urged India to do its part by leveraging its relations with other countries to lighten the tensions and return to dialogue, Pezeshkian said.
He also stated Iran was ready to increase its cooperation in all spheres, including political, economic, scientific, cultural and other, with India in spite of international sanctions.
Modi-Pezeshkian’s meeting occurred days after the US slapped sanctions on four Indian companies for suspected role in the Iranian oil and petrochemical trade valued at $119 million.
Washington has imposed sanctions on other Indian organizations for alleged ties with Iran.
Iran has angrily denied the latest measures by the US, calling the “sanctions war” a breach of international law. Iranian officials also have said Tehran is ready to deal with the economic pressures and has not severed ties with its trading partners.
In the course of the meeting, Modi reiterated India’s interest in collaborating closely with Iran through multilateral forums like BRICS and SCO.
The Prime Minister also invited President Pezeshkian to visit India for the upcoming BRICS Summit.
Modi also met Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the SCO summit.
The two sides discussed further cooperation between them in the field of defence, information technology, space, education and pharmaceuticals. Modi also assured that the bilateral trade and investment relations will continue to expand.