PM Modi, Iran's Pezeshkian hold first New Delhi talks since West Asia war; vow to expand bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the escalating situation in West Asia and ways to expand bilateral ties, as the Iranian leader arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS summit.

The meeting, their second in less than two weeks, comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and fresh punitive economic measures imposed by the US on Iran. It was also Pezeshkian’s first visit to India since becoming Iran’s president.

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The two leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship and exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Modi reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues in the region must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability, while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce and the safety and well-being of seafarers.

"From Bishkek to Delhi, the productive discussions continue. Happy to have met Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. This visit is more special because it is his first visit to India. We talked about the India-Iran friendship. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace," PM Modi wrote in a post on X, following his meeting.

"Had 'very nice' talks with PM Modi; hope ties with India will pave the way for further cooperation in developing culture, trade, technology, economy and other areas," Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, said.

“India and Iran share civilizational ties, marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds. As BRICS partners, the two countries are working to contribute to shared progress and prosperity,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media.

Modi, Pezeshkian discuss West Asia

Modi and Pezeshkian had previously met in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, when the Indian prime minister conveyed that India supports all efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Pezeshkian had urged Modi to use India’s extensive contacts with various parties to help steer them away from war and bloodshed and towards dialogue and agreement.

The latest meeting comes as the regional conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies, with Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz causing severe disruption to global oil flows.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global petroleum supplies.

Also read: US-Israel's war has pushed Iran’s economy into a ‘far more dangerous phase’, says President Masoud Pezeshkian

India thanks Iran for BRICS participation

Modi thanked Iran for its regular, high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite the challenging circumstances, the MEA said.

The prime minister also noted the potential for BRICS to build the spirit of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries in the Global South. He thanked Pezeshkian for participating in the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum.

Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi hours before his meeting with Modi to attend the BRICS summit. His visit marks his first trip to India as Iran’s president.

Ahead of his departure for New Delhi, Pezeshkian called for a stronger economic focus from BRICS, arguing that the grouping should work towards greater economic resilience.

“The new BRICS bank was created to free countries from reliance on the dollar and to stand against America's push for dominance,” he said.

The two sides also appreciated continued cooperation on issues of mutual interest in multilateral organisations, including BRICS, the MEA said.

The Iranian president’s visit comes at a sensitive juncture for India-Iran ties, with the two countries also engaging through the BRICS platform as the conflict in West Asia places fresh pressure on regional stability and energy flows.