Indian Prime Minister Emphasizes the Need to Continue Efforts to Ensure Peace and Stability in the Region and Resolve Conflicts Through Diplomatic Means

New Delhi, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to continue efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, protect freedom of navigation and trade, and safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release that this was stated during a meeting held on Monday by Modi with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, where bilateral, regional, and global issues were discussed.

The ministry reported that Modi and Pezeshkian discussed bilateral relations and recent developments in West Asia during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, exchanging views on the evolving situation. The prime minister expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region, reiterating India’s firm position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

In a separate meeting, Modi discussed bilateral, regional, and global issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit, reviewing progress made in bilateral cooperation across various fields, including politics, economy, defense, energy, space, transport, and people-to-people ties. The ministry noted that both sides welcomed the outcomes of the 27th session of the India-Russia Joint Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Cultural, and Scientific and Technological Cooperation, held on August 24 in Moscow.

It added that the meeting saw exchanges of views on India and Russia’s engagement in multilateral forums, particularly within BRICS, ahead of India’s upcoming presidency of the group in 2026, as well as discussions on major regional and global issues, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

The ministry stated in its release that Modi reiterated during the meeting that dialogue and diplomacy are the best means to resolve conflicts. (End) a.t.k./t.a.b.