Modi Meets Pezeshkian Amid Renewed Tensions Over Middle East Oil Supplies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Central Asia tour took an urgent turn on Monday as he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The talks centered around ensuring lasting peace and safeguarding energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway critical to India's economy due to its reliance on imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The meeting was the first face-to-face discussion between the two leaders since the Iran conflict began in February. Pezeshkian briefed Modi on the regional situation, while the Indian leader reiterated New Delhi's support for efforts to establish lasting peace.

India has maintained diplomatic channels open with both Tehran and Washington, emphasizing freedom of navigation through the strait. The talks acquired greater urgency after a US strike on Iranian military positions near Larak Island over the weekend, followed by Iran firing missiles toward US forces in the region.