Modi-Pezeshkian meet: India pushes dialogue, safe passage amid Middle East crisis

During the meeting, Modi raised concerns over the volatile regional situation and stressed that the safety and security of seafarers remains India's top priority, sources said.

India also underlined the need for safe passage for vessels carrying essential supplies, with energy security emerging as a key concern amid disruptions in the region.

Modi stresses 'dialogue and diplomacy'

Against the backdrop of the escalating Middle East crisis, India reiterated its position that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward for achieving a lasting solution.

Modi also thanked Iran for participating in BRICS-related meetings despite what he described as challenging circumstances.

The talks covered regional developments as well as the broader India-Iran relationship, with both sides looking to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation.

Pezeshkian calls for greater BRICS economic resilience

Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Pezeshkian called for greater economic cooperation among BRICS members and argued that the grouping should work towards reducing dependence on the US dollar.

He said BRICS should promote the use of national currencies in trade among member countries and create an environment where legitimate trade cannot be disrupted through control over financial mechanisms.

Pezeshkian also criticised US sanctions and what he described as military aggression, arguing that BRICS could play a greater role in strengthening the economic resilience of its members.

India-Iran ties take centre stage

Welcoming Pezeshkian to India, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“India and Iran share civilisational ties, marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds,” Jaiswal said, adding that the two countries, as BRICS partners, were working towards shared progress and prosperity.

Pezeshkian's visit is his first to India since becoming Iran's president and comes at a particularly sensitive time for the region.

Modi, Pezeshkian met in Bishkek

The latest meeting comes just days after Modi and Pezeshkian met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek on August 31.

During that meeting, Modi conveyed India's support for efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

Pezeshkian had also urged India to use its extensive diplomatic relationships to encourage the conflicting sides to step back from violence and return to negotiations.

Middle East crisis shadows BRICS Summit

The BRICS Summit in New Delhi is taking place against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

The Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East crisis and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, along with US trade and tariff policies, have emerged as major challenges for the global economy.

For India, the developments carry particular significance because of their potential impact on energy supplies, shipping routes and the safety of Indian seafarers.