Bishkek/IBNS, Sept. 1 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic support to help steer the parties involved in the West Asia conflict away from further escalation and towards dialogue.

The appeal came during the first face-to-face meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian since fighting erupted earlier this year.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, amid continuing concerns over regional security, energy supplies and the wider economic consequences of conflict.

According to an Iranian readout of the meeting, Pezeshkian thanked India for its position during the conflict and emphasised Tehran's stated preference for re...