What Did PM Modi Discuss with Iranian President Pezeshkian at the BRICS Summit?

Key Discussions Between Modi and Pezeshkian

New Delhi: On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts to achieve enduring peace and stability in West Asia.

The meeting took place during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where PM Modi highlighted the necessity of protecting freedom of navigation and commerce, as well as ensuring the safety and welfare of seafarers.

This encounter marked the second time the two leaders met within a fortnight, having previously convened on August 31 during the SCO Summit in Bishkek.

While addressing various facets of their bilateral ties, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Iran for its consistent high-level involvement in BRICS meetings, despite facing 'challenging circumstances.'

He acknowledged the potential of BRICS to foster resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability among nations in the Global South.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi also expressed appreciation to President Pezeshkian for his participation in the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum.

The MEA statement noted, 'The two leaders shared insights on recent developments in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India's steadfast stance that all matters should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed the need for ongoing efforts to secure lasting peace and stability in the region, while safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and ensuring the safety and well-being of seafarers.'

'The Prime Minister commended the ongoing collaboration between the two nations on issues of mutual interest within multilateral organizations, including BRICS,' it further stated.

Earlier, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to India and PM Modi for hosting the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, acknowledging the 'valuable efforts' made to enhance cooperation among member states.

'I sincerely thank the friendly government and people of India for graciously hosting this meeting, as well as the Honourable Prime Minister of India for his significant efforts to bolster BRICS cooperation,' the Iranian President remarked while addressing leaders, including PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the BRICS Business Forum prior to the summit.

'It brings me great satisfaction to be present today among representatives of the private sector, business enterprises, and entrepreneurs who can turn the concept of cooperation within BRICS into tangible economic outcomes,' he added.

Highlighting the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its associated human and material toll, Pezeshkian stated that economic security is intrinsically linked to national and regional security.