Modi urges Hormuz navigation safeguards at SCO summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during his first face-to-face talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since hostilities erupted between Washington and Tehran, held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek.

Diplomatic engagement

The two leaders met in the Kyrgyz capital to discuss recent developments in the Middle East, "sharing perspectives on the evolving situation," according to a statement from Modi's office. It marked their first in-person encounter since the US-Iran war began in late February, though the pair have maintained telephone contact on several occasions since the conflict started.

Protection of civilians

Modi "expressed concern at the escalation of tensions in the region and reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said. He also emphasized that "civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers must not be harmed under any circumstances," while calling for continued efforts to ensure regional stability and the unimpeded flow of commerce.

Strait of Hormuz tensions

The talks came amid renewed friction in and around the strategic waterway following overnight US military strikes on Lark Island, which drew Iranian retaliation. Although Pakistan and Qatar brokered a framework agreement in June, Washington launched a two-week bombing campaign in July and reimposed a naval blockade after disputes emerged over navigation rights in the strait — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments.