India's PM Modi urges protection of Hormuz navigation in talks with Iran’s President

Bishkek, Aug 31: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for the protection of freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait of Hormuz during talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid renewed tensions around the strategic waterway.

The two leaders met in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on the sidelines of the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and discussed the latest developments in the Middle East.

Modi expressed concern over the escalation of regional tensions and reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances.

The meeting was the first face-to-face encounter between Modi and Pezeshkian since the US-Iran war began in late February. The two leaders have remained in contact through several telephone conversations.

Pezeshkian told Modi that Iran remained committed to reaching an agreement despite accusing the United States of failing to honor its commitments under previous agreements.

“We are still working to achieve an agreement and understanding,” Pezeshkian said, according to Iranian state media, adding that continuing the war served neither Iran’s interests nor those of the region or the wider international community.

The Iranian president also said India had significant potential to contribute to regional peace and stability.

The talks came as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensified following a US military strike on Iran’s Larak Island and subsequent Iranian retaliation. The strategic waterway is a major global shipping route and a critical transit point for international energy supplies.

Modi said India would continue to support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.