Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on the escalating West Asia crisis and ways to strengthen India-Iran relations. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit, as regional tensions continue to shape diplomatic engagements.
The talks marked the second meeting between the two leaders since the outbreak of the recent West Asia war. India also thanked Iran for participating in the BRICS summit, underscoring the importance New Delhi attaches to continued dialogue with Tehran amid the regional conflict.
The meeting was significant as West Asia conflict has raised concerns over maritime trade, energy supplies and the safety of Indian citizens and seafarers in the region.
Pezeshkian’s visit to India comes after an eight-year gap for an Iranian president and is part of his participation in the BRICS summit. The Iranian leader also attended the BRICS Business Forum alongside PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders, highlighting the economic and diplomatic dimensions of the visit.
India and Iran have longstanding ties in trade, connectivity and regional cooperation. Their engagement has included discussions on the development of Chabahar Port, the International North-South Transport Corridor and economic links with Central Asia. These areas remain important to India’s efforts to expand regional connectivity and access to markets.