NEW DELHI: In a diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of Brics Summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday stressed upon India’s potential role in resolving the ongoing tensions in the Middle East during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This marked the first meeting between the two leaders since Pezeshkian took office in July 2024.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the leaders discussed the escalating conflict in Middle East, with PM Modi expressing deep concern over the situation.
“Both leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia (Middle East). PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s call for the protection of civilians and prevention of harm to civilians. He emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions,” Misri said.
President Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of peace and harmony in the region and stressed India’s unique position to mediate, given its strong ties with all parties involved.
“President Pezeshkian also emphasised on the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict,” Misri added.
The two leaders also turned their attention to Afghanistan, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability and continuing humanitarian assistance in the country. President Pezeshkian acknowledged India’s crucial role in facilitating Iran’s accession to both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brics, and the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation across multilateral platforms.
India and Iran have longstanding civilisational and economic ties, and this meeting further cemented their partnership. External affairs minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Iran in January 2024 also highlighted the strategic importance of Chabahar port, as well as broader regional and global concerns, including the Gaza conflict, security in Afghanistan, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Amid escalating tensions in Middle East, India has called for restraint and the protection of civilians. In April, New Delhi expressed serious concern over hostilities between Israel and Iran, urging immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
Beyond discussions with Iran, PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, where the two leaders greeted each other warmly. Putin lauded the strong personal rapport between them, saying, “We have such a relationship that I felt that you do not need any translation.”
PM Modi echoed the sentiment, stating, “My two visits to Russia in the last three months reflect our close coordination and deep friendship.”
This marked Modi’s second visit to Russia this year, reinforcing India’s active role within the Brics bloc, as Kazan hosted the 16th Brics Summit.
With tensions simmering in the Middle East and growing global challenges, India’s diplomatic balancing act in the region has been further solidified through its close engagements with key players like Iran and Russia.