Bishkek, August 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek on Monday, with the two leaders discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
The two leaders warmly greeted each other before beginning their talks.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on X that Modi and Pashinyan discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including defence, economy, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, culture and education.
“They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia,” the MEA said.
The ministry added that Modi reiterated India’s keenness to work closely with Armenia to deepen and expand bilateral ties.
The meeting comes two months after Modi and Pashinyan held a telephonic conversation in June, during which they reviewed bilateral relations and recent regional developments. Modi had also congratulated Pashinyan and his party on their victory in Armenia’s parliamentary elections.
During that conversation, Modi expressed appreciation for Armenia’s role in facilitating the evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran amid heightened tensions in West Asia. The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, defence, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Modi is currently on a two-day official visit to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit and the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. He arrived in Bishkek on Sunday and was received by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Earlier on Monday, Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Bishkek and interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered to welcome him.
Modi had unveiled Gandhi’s statue in Bishkek during his visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2015.
“In Bishkek this morning, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in the city. Gandhi Ji’s thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds,” Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister also met members of various groups with links to India, including yoga practitioners, academics, ITEC alumni, researchers and members of the diaspora.
“Met a group of people who have a close association with India. This includes prominent diaspora members, those passionate about the environment, Yoga enthusiasts, academics, ITEC alumni, researchers and more,” Modi said in another post.
He noted that one of the yoga practitioners he met had participated in the World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad and won a medal.
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