Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Seeks Diplomatic Role Amid Conflicts in Iran, Ukraine
India attended a meeting of countries called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the meeting and private discussions to explain India’s views on several conflicts.
He told Iran’s president that India wanted to keep trading with Iran and increase that trade.
This message came while the United States was threatening countries that trade with Iran with economic penalties.
Modi also told Russia’s president that the war in Ukraine should end through negotiations.
He criticized terrorism that crosses borders, especially when a government supports it.
The editorial says India cannot end these conflicts by itself.
However, it believes India can be a calm and helpful voice in a world facing many wars.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to highlight India’s diplomatic priorities.
In Bishkek, Modi told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that India wanted to expand trade with Iran.
Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine should end through diplomatic efforts.
Modi called for international unity against cross-border terrorism, particularly when used as state policy by a country.
The editorial argues India should turn its preference for peace into practical support for countries affected by war.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states.
- What
- India used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and related meetings to discuss trade with Iran, peace in Ukraine, and opposition to cross-border terrorism.
- When
- The summit was held on Monday and Tuesday.
- Where
- Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
- Why
- India sought to present its diplomatic priorities and position itself as a voice for peace and stability amid multiple conflicts.
- Event
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit
- Location
- Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
- Participants
- China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic
- Iran position
- India said it wanted to continue and expand bilateral trade with Iran
- Ukraine position
- India said diplomatic efforts should help end the war between Moscow and Kyiv
- Terrorism position
- India called for international unity against cross-border terrorism used as state policy
- Editorial assessment
- India has the diplomatic, economic and historical weight to act as a stabilizing voice