Kazan, Russia : On the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a landmark bilateral meeting with Iran’s newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian. This marked their first encounter since Pezeshkian rise to power in July 2024, after winning Iran’s snap elections. The meeting between the two leaders carried significant weight, underscoring the deep historical, economic, and strategic ties between India and Iran. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Pezeshkian on his electoral victory and extended a warm welcome to Iran as a new member of the BRICS group, which Iran joined in September 2023. He emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in light of ongoing regional and global challenges. “India and Iran share a longstanding civilizational bond, and our cooperation today is more crucial than ever for peace and stability in the region,” Modi remarked during the meeting. One of the key topics on the agenda was the Chabahar Port, a significant infrastructure project that both countries see as pivotal for regional connectivity and economic development. The recently signed long-term contract for the port’s development was hailed as a milestone, strengthening ties not only between India and Iran but also fostering economic integration with Afghanistan and Central Asia. “The Chabahar Port is a testament to our shared vision for enhancing regional trade and creating a corridor of opportunity,” noted Modi, emphasizing the port’s critical role in promoting development in Afghanistan and improving trade links in the region. Addressing Regional Conflict and the Path to Diplomacy Beyond economic cooperation, the escalating conflict in West Asia dominated the discussions between the two leaders. With tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, spirallng and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening, both leaders expressed deep concern about the potential for further destabilization. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s long-standing call for restraint and diplomacy in resolving the conflict. “The protection of civilians and the prevention of further violence must be the immediate priority for all parties involved,” he stated, urging a return to dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the volatile situation. He added that India, with its good relations across West Asia, could play a mediating role in fostering peace in the region.
President Pezeshkian echoed Modi’s sentiments, highlighting the need for peace and stability. “West Asia is at a critical juncture, and the role of countries like India, with its balanced relationships, is vital in pushing for peaceful resolutions,” Pezeshkian remarked. Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining stability in Afghanistan, where their shared interests in humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts could further enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting also touched on India’s involvement in multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS. Iran’s inclusion in these groups was seen as a strategic move, and both Modi and Pezeshkian affirmed their commitment to leveraging these platforms for deeper regional cooperation. They expressed optimism about using these forums to collectively address challenges like terrorism, regional stability, and economic growth. Concluding their discussions, Modi invited Pezeshkian to visit India, an invitation that the Iranian leader warmly accepted. This visit would further solidify ties between the two countries and allow them to explore more avenues for collaboration in the future. The meeting in Kazan highlighted the shared interests of India and Iran in promoting regional connectivity, economic growth, and peace amidst a turbulent global environment. Both leaders left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, agreeing to build on their long-standing partnership in the face of new challenges. As Prime Minister Modi aptly put it, “The world is looking to BRICS for leadership, and it is our duty to rise to the occasion together.”
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