Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate meetings with the leaders of Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Iran on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Monday. The discussions covered bilateral ties, defence, trade, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and other areas of mutual interest. The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments, with the situation in West Asia featuring prominently in the talks.

Modi met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and discussed ways to expand cooperation between India and Armenia. The two leaders reviewed ties in several key sectors, including defence, information technology, space, education and pharmaceuticals. Modi said both countries were looking to deepen their economic relationship and increase trade and investment.

“India-Armenia cooperation is all set to grow in defence, IT, space, education, pharmaceuticals and more,” Modi said on social media after his talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “We are equally certain to deepen trade and investment linkages in the times to come.”

The talks between Modi and Pashinyan also covered science and technology, culture and education. The two leaders discussed regional and global developments, including the ongoing situation in West Asia. Pashinyan also briefed Modi on the implementation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Agreement.

India and Armenia have continued to expand their engagement across several sectors in recent years. Defence cooperation remains an important area, while both sides have also explored opportunities in technology, pharmaceuticals, education and other fields. The latest meeting reflected the two countries’ efforts to further strengthen these ties.

Modi also held talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and described the meeting as “very fruitful”. The two leaders reviewed the India-Kyrgyzstan strategic partnership and discussed ways to give greater momentum to bilateral cooperation.

Their discussions covered healthcare, pharmaceuticals, information technology, minerals, agriculture, digital technologies and infrastructure. Modi said India and Kyrgyzstan would also work to expand defence and security cooperation. The two sides also emphasised strengthening people-to-people relations through areas such as sports and tourism.

Economic and commercial cooperation also featured prominently in the meeting. Modi and Zhaparov agreed to increase economic engagement by using the strengths and complementarities of their respective economies. They also discussed ways to strengthen ties between their people.

Student exchanges and cultural cooperation were among the areas discussed as part of efforts to deepen people-to-people contact. The focus on these areas comes as India and Kyrgyzstan seek to broaden their partnership beyond traditional areas of cooperation.

Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, trade and the ongoing situation in West Asia. Their meeting came amid continued regional tensions, making the discussion on peace and stability an important part of their talks.

Following the meeting, Modi said India remained committed to strengthening its historic relationship with Iran. He also stressed the need to expand cooperation between the two countries. Trade and bilateral relations were among the key subjects discussed during the talks.

Modi and Pezeshkian also exchanged views on the prevailing situation in the region. Modi said India would continue to support efforts to achieve lasting peace in West Asia. The discussion highlighted India’s continued engagement with Iran as New Delhi seeks to maintain strong ties with countries across the region.