Modi, Pezeshkian review bilateral ties, West Asia developments at BRICS meeting
The prime minister, Narendra Modi meets Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Image courtesy: X.com/@narendramodi
New Delhi: The prime minister, Narendra Modi, met the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, with the two leaders reviewing bilateral relations and exchanging views on developments in West Asia. It was their second meeting in under two weeks after talks in Bishkek RNA Media reported on August 31 during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi thanked Iran for maintaining regular high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite challenging circumstances. He said BRICS could help strengthen resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability across the global south and also thanked Pezeshkian for participating in the leaders’ session of the BRICS business forum.
The two leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia. Modi reiterated India’s position that issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and called for continued efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
He also stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce and the safety and well-being of seafarers. The position builds on their Bishkek meeting, where Modi had expressed concern over escalating tensions and said civilians, civilian infrastructure, commercial shipping and seafarers should not be harmed.
Modi also appreciated continued India-Iran cooperation on issues of mutual interest in multilateral organizations, including BRICS. Iran joined the expanded grouping in 2024, while India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026.
BRICS cooperation remains in focus
Modi also appreciated continued India-Iran cooperation on issues of mutual interest in multilateral organizations, including BRICS. Iran joined the expanded grouping in 2024, while India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026.
Pezeshkian’s visit marked his first trip to India as president and the first by an Iranian president in more than eight years, since Hassan Rouhani travelled to India in February 2018. The meeting came ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with India and Iran continuing engagement on bilateral ties, developments in West Asia and cooperation through the grouping.
