Iran Seeks Indian Support at SCO Summit Amid Growing Regional Conflict

During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—the first face-to-face encounter since the war began on 28 February. Modi’s office responded that the discussion focused on “strengthening India’s friendship with Iran,” emphasizing the need for “lasting peace and stability,” the protection of navigation and civilian infrastructure, and the avoidance of harm to commercial shipping and seafarers.

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The conflict has seen Iran target ships in the Persian Gulf, prompting India to condemn a strike that killed an Indian sailor near the Strait of Hormuz and to call for a ceasefire. India has also criticized a U.S. strike that killed over 100 Iranian sailors after joint exercises with the Indian Navy. Iran’s 2023 accession to the SCO—now comprising China, Russia, the Central Asian states, India, Pakistan, Belarus and several dialogue partners—offers a multilateral platform outside Western frameworks. maritime blockade.

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Indian officials reiterated the importance of safeguarding civilian shipping and called for diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions. Iranian representatives framed the outreach to India as part of a broader strategy to expand cooperation across economic and security domains, seeking “non-West” support through the SCO. Analysts observe that while the SCO does not function as a collective security pact, its economic and coordination mechanisms provide Iran with avenues to sustain trade and political backing.

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• “What Iran's membership offers is a venue to better influence how each member approaches it, whether through consolidated alignment with members like China or by convincing others to avoid cooperating with the American side on various fronts,” — Ali Ahmadi

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• “Pakistan’s mediation role or its alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey are unlikely to trigger any change in India’s longstanding policy of balancing between its ties with the Gulf States, Iran and Israel,” — Deepika Saraswat

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• “India views Iran as central to its connectivity plans with Afghanistan and Central Asia.” — Deepika Saraswat

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• “The uncertain outcome of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have only strengthened the case for continued diplomatic engagement with Iran,” — Deepika Saraswat

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