On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to seek a resolution to the ongoing West Asia conflict through dialogue. Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety of seafarers in the region during their discussion.
“We talked about the India-Iran friendship. “The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. The two leaders also discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, and Modi thanked Iran for its regular and high-level participation in Brics-related meetings despite challenging circumstances. Differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are on opposite sides of the West Asia conflict, have held up consensus at several ministerial meetings ahead of the Brics Summit.
Modi and Pezeshkian met on the margins of the Brics Summit in New Delhi for the second time since August 31, when they held talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek. Pezeshkian is on his first visit to India since he became President in 2024. Iran will also have a crucial role in ensuring a consensus leaders’ declaration at the Brics Summit during September 12-13.
The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia, and the external affairs ministry said in a readout that Modi reiterated India’s “consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy”. Modi also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce, and for the safety and well-being of seafarers, the readout said. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy,” Modi said on social media. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace,” he said, adding that Pezeshkian’s visit is “more special” because it is his first to India. Modi noted the potential for Brics to build the “spirit of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries in the Global South”.
