New Delhi: In a diplomatic engagement on the occasion of The BRICS SummitIranian President Massoud Pizshakyan On Tuesday, India emphasized its potential role in resolving ongoing tensions. Middle East During the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It was the first meeting between the two leaders since Pyzhashkyan took over in July 2024.
According to the Foreign Secretary… Vikram MasriThe leaders discussed the escalating conflicts in the Middle East. PM Modi Expressing deep concern over the situation.
“The two leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia (Middle East). PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India’s demand to protect civilians and prevent harm to civilians. He stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions,” said Masri.
President Pyzhashkian highlighted the importance of peace and harmony in the region and emphasized India’s unique position for mediation given its strong ties with all parties.
“President Pizshakyan also stressed the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India can play in de-escalating conflicts,” Misri added.
The two leaders also turned their attention to Afghanistan, stressing the importance of maintaining stability in the country and continuing humanitarian aid. President Pyzhashkian acknowledged India’s important role in facilitating Iran.Affiliation with both the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS, and leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in multilateral platforms.
India and Iran have long-standing cultural and economic ties and this meeting further strengthened their partnership. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Iran in January 2024 highlighted the strategic importance of the Chabahar port as well as broader regional and global concerns, including the Gaza conflict, security in Afghanistan and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, India has urged restraint and the protection of civilians. In April, New Delhi expressed deep concern over hostilities between Israel and Iran, calling for an immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
Apart from the talks with Iran, PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, where the two leaders warmly welcomed each other. “We have such a relationship that I feel you don’t need any translation,” Putin said, praising the strong personal relationship between the two.
PM Modi echoed this sentiment, saying, “My two visits to Russia in the last three months reflect our close coordination and deep friendship.”
This is Modi’s second visit to Russia this year, reinforcing India’s active role in the BRICS bloc, as Kazan hosted the 16th BRICS summit.
With rising tensions in the Middle East and mounting global challenges, India’s diplomatic balancing act in the region has been further strengthened by close engagements with key players such as Iran and Russia.