Iran hails strong ties with India ahead of President Pezeshkian's Dehi visit for BRICS summit

Tehran: Iran has highlighted India as an essential diplomatic hub ahead of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, expressing confidence that the multilateral platform will help accelerate commercial ties and strategic partnerships between both nations.

Addressing a press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei underlined the priority Tehran places on its long-standing partnership with New Delhi.

Recalling President Pezeshkian’s recent discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Baghaei reaffirmed that Iran intends to capitalise on its high-level engagements in India to expand commercial collaboration.

Highlighting Baghaei's statement, the Iranian Embassy in India posted on X,  “One of the meetings that President Masoud Pezeshkian held was with the Prime Minister of India. Our relationship with India is a long-standing, historic and civilizational relationship, and we attach great importance to our ties with India."

Looking ahead to President Pezeshkian’s schedule for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, Baghaei expressed optimism about the role of multilateral diplomacy in furthering bilateral relations.

“We will certainly make use of the opportunity provided by the BRICS Summit to continue our discussions and consultations with India in areas of mutual interest,” Baghaei affirmed.

Baghaei also pointed out India’s prominent influence in major international forums, including the SCO and BRICS.

“India is a member of both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS,” he noted. “It is also one of the countries with which we have good relations in various areas, particularly trade and economic cooperation.”

Focusing on key areas of cooperation, Baghaei identified regional connectivity and maritime transport infrastructure as top priorities for both countries, specifically highlighting the strategically vital Chabahar Port.

“Various issues are usually discussed during consultations between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port, which is important to both countries,” he noted. “Overall, as I mentioned, our relationship with India is very good and continues to develop,” he added.

The meeting between PM Narendra Modi and President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek was their first in two years. During the interactions, India reaffirmed its support for regional security and stability.

Reiterating New Delhi’s readiness to deepen ties through international groups like BRICS and the SCO, PM Modi welcomed the Iranian President to India for the upcoming summit and expressed a commitment to broadening bilateral trade relations.

In a post on X following their meeting, PM Modi had written, “Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors. We want to expand and diversify our trade basket in the times to come. We had a discussion on the prevailing situation in the region. India will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace.”

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the meeting as a “fruitful meeting”.

“The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties. They reviewed recent developments in the West Asia region. Prime Minister reiterated India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister also underlined the need for continued efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region, and for safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce,” Jaiswal shared on X.

The bilateral dialogue was attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and senior delegates from Tehran, amid ongoing tensions in West Asia that impact regional security and maritime trade routes.

ANI