Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Arrives in India for BRICS Summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which is being hosted by India. Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur received him at the airport.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs welcomed Pezeshkian through a post on X, highlighting the longstanding historical and cultural ties between India and Iran. The ministry also said BRICS partners would continue working together for shared progress and prosperity.

The summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Leaders from BRICS member countries, along with representatives of partner and invited nations, are expected to participate in the meetings.

For Iran, the summit provides an opportunity to discuss areas of direct interest with India and other participating countries. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two countries have deep historical relations and indicated that Tehran would seek to use the gathering to advance its national interests.

Trade and economic cooperation are expected to be among the important subjects discussed between the two sides. The development of Chabahar Port is another key area likely to receive attention during the visit. The port has strategic importance for strengthening connectivity and trade links between India, Iran and the wider region.

Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last month. During that meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations as well as developments in West Asia.

Modi has repeatedly maintained that conflicts should be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic channels. The West Asia situation is therefore expected to remain part of the broader diplomatic discussions surrounding the Iranian president’s visit.

Pezeshkian’s presence at the BRICS summit comes at a time when the grouping is seeking greater cooperation among emerging economies. His visit also gives India and Iran another opportunity to discuss their economic relationship and regional connectivity.

The discussions in New Delhi are expected to provide a clearer picture of how both countries plan to take forward their existing cooperation, particularly in trade, connectivity and the Chabahar Port project.