India, Aug. 31 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as leaders gathered for discussions on regional and international issues.

The meeting came during Modi's engagements at the 26th SCO Summit, where India is also holding a series of bilateral discussions with key regional partners.

Modi's meeting with Pezeshkian assumes significance amid continuing instability in West Asia and discussions among regional countries on security, connectivity and economic cooperation.

The Iranian President, before travelling to Bishkek, said Iran does not seek war but would respond with strength and determination to an...