President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized that Iran and India can significantly expand their economic cooperation by strengthening bilateral ties and countering the effects of sanctions.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, President Pezeshkian and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have stressed the need to expand bilateral cooperation and promote diplomacy to enhance peace and stability.
The president thanked India for maintaining cooperation with Iran during the recent war imposed on the Islamic Republic and called for diplomatic efforts to establish peace and security in the region. He said Iran had pursued dialogue to resolve regional disputes, while criticizing the United States for choosing war and pressure over diplomatic mechanisms.
He emphasized that Tehran does not seek war and considers dialogue and cooperation the means of resolving disputes. He said Iran had honored its commitments under agreements, while the US had failed to fulfill its obligations. Nevertheless, he stressed that Iran remained committed to pursuing agreement and understanding, arguing that continued conflict would serve neither Iran nor the region nor humanity.
President Pezeshkian highlighted India’s regional position and urged New Delhi to use its relations with parties to encourage a return to dialogue and agreement.
He further said Iran and India could raise economic cooperation by expanding bilateral ties and neutralizing the effects of sanctions.
He noted that the two countries have potential for cooperation in political, economic, scientific and cultural fields, as well as maritime transportation. Despite efforts by the United States and the Israeli regime to restrict Iran’s relations with other countries, the president said Tehran was ready to deepen cooperation with India and strengthen consultations.
Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction with the meeting and said India had sought to preserve cooperation and communication with Iran during difficult circumstances. He described President Pezeshkian as a peace-loving head of state and said efforts to establish peace would produce results.
Modi agreed that some groups benefit from continuing wars, but stressed that efforts to achieve peace must be intensified.
He underscored the civilizational ties between Iran and India, saying their historical and cultural connections could provide support for expanding cooperation.
The two officials discussed bilateral cooperation, including transportation and maritime ties, developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz, and cooperation at Chabahar port, while emphasizing the need to further expand economic and strategic cooperation.