Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, for bilateral talks focused on the ongoing situation in West Asia and strategies to strengthen India-Iran relations. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, marking President Pezeshkian's inaugural visit to India since assuming office and their second encounter in less than two weeks, following discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on August 31.
West Asia Tensions and Regional Stability
Discussions between the two leaders addressed the heightened tensions in West Asia, a region grappling with new economic sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States and disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly concerning the critical Strait of Hormuz. India emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting civilian infrastructure and populations in the region.
During their earlier meeting in Bishkek, Prime Minister Modi had expressed India's support for peace efforts, while President Pezeshkian urged India to leverage its extensive international contacts to foster dialogue and agreements, moving away from conflict.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
The bilateral talks also followed their participation in the BRICS Business Forum, where both leaders, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed the gathering. President Pezeshkian advocated for deeper economic cooperation among BRICS member states, urging the bloc to translate its potential into practical implementation through trade, investment, and joint financing initiatives.
Pezeshkian highlighted global economic challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain disruptions, and the increasing weaponization of economic instruments for political pressure. He had previously stated that BRICS should confront unilateralism and develop new approaches to bolster economic resilience.
Strengthening India-Iran Bilateral Relations
India and Iran share profound civilizational ties and robust cultural and people-to-people connections. At their August 31 meeting, Modi reiterated India's commitment to close cooperation with Iran in multilateral organizations like BRICS and the SCO, expressing a resolve to expand and diversify bilateral trade channels. Pezeshkian also acknowledged the significant scope for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
India is currently hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12-13, under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The expanded grouping now comprises 11 nations: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. India's chairship comes at a time of considerable geopolitical uncertainty, economic fragmentation, and rapid technological disruption, with New Delhi aiming to foster greater cooperation across development, trade, finance, energy, technology, and global governance.