PM Modi, Pezeshkian meet in Delhi amid West Asia tensions, reaffirm bilateral cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with the evolving situation in West Asia and India-Iran bilateral ties featuring prominently in their discussions.

The meeting comes less than two weeks after PM Modi and Pezeshkian met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on August 31, underlining the regular high-level engagement between the two countries.

During the meeting, PM Modi appreciated Iran’s continued participation in BRICS engagements despite the difficult regional circumstances.

He said the grouping could play an important role in fostering resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among nations of the Global South.

Modi also welcomed Pezeshkian’s participation in the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum.

The two leaders reviewed developments in West Asia and exchanged views on the need to address regional challenges. PM Modi reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than escalation.

He also emphasised the importance of sustained efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Prime Minister stressed that freedom of navigation, uninterrupted commerce and the safety of seafarers must be protected amid the continuing uncertainty in West Asia.

The talks also covered cooperation between India and Iran in multilateral forums, including BRICS, with PM Modi appreciating the continued coordination between the two countries on matters of shared interest.

The latest PM Modi-Pezeshkian meeting comes as New Delhi hosts the BRICS Summit, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from major emerging economies amid heightened geopolitical and economic challenges.