‘Long-Standing, Historic’: Iran Hails India Ties After Modi-Pezeshkian Meet

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Tehran described its relationship with New Delhi as “long-standing” and “historic”.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two leaders discussed several issues during their meeting, including the strategically important Chabahar Port.

“Our relationship with India is a long-standing, historic and civilizational relationship, and we attach great importance to our ties with India,” Baghaei said at a press briefing.

He noted that India is a member of both the SCO and BRICS and maintains strong relations with Iran across several areas, particularly trade and economic cooperation.

“Various issues are usually discussed during consultations between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port, which is important to both countries,” he said, adding that bilateral ties continue to develop.

Modi meets Pezeshkian at SCO Summit

During the SCO Summit in the Kyrgyz Republic, Modi held talks with Pezeshkian as part of his meetings with several world leaders.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, India “reiterated our commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors”.

Modi said on X that the two leaders also discussed the situation in the region and India’s support for efforts aimed at securing lasting peace amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

US warns against sanctions evasion

The Modi-Pezeshkian meeting also drew attention in Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he did not expect India to enter into a trade deal with Iran.

“Countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Rubio said in an interview with The Brian Kilmeade Show.

However, he stressed that US President Donald Trump had been clear that no country should help Iran evade American sanctions.

The comments come as India continues to maintain engagement with Iran, including cooperation around Chabahar Port, while navigating its relations with the United States and other key partners.