Kazan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Russia's Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit. This was the first meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian, who became president in July after winning snap elections.
PM Modi congratulated him on his recent victory and reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening the age-old bilateral ties with Iran. They discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fields of bilateral ties," Foreign Secretay said in a press conference.
"Both leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia. PM Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated India's call for the protection of civilians and the prevention of harm to civilians. He emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. President Pezeshkian also emphasized the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties involved.
Afghanistan was another key topic of discussion between the leaders. Both of them underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region along with continuing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. President Pezeshkian acknowledged in particular the role that India played in Iran's accession to both the SCO and BRICS, and both leaders agreed to continue their cooperation within various multilateral platforms, including BRICS and SCO, added Misri.
Chabahar port
Other than West Asia conflict, the discussion focused on key areas of cooperation, particularly the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, which are crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and economic partnerships. "In this context, the recent signing of the long-term main contract for the development of the Chabahar port in Iran further strengthens the commitments of both countries toward collaboration in these sectors, which is in a sense also significant for the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan and for enhancing trade, economic and people to people linkages with the countries of Central Asia...," he added.
India and Iran share longstanding civilisational ties. Iran is situated in India's extended neighbourhood and the two countries have significant overlap in their economic and security space. India and Iran are important trade partners. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Iran in January 2024. This was his first visit to Iran since it joined the BRICS in September 2023 He also met with Iran's Foreign Minister Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
They discussed a range of topics including the Chabahar port, people-to-people contacts, regional and global issues, the situation in Gaza, stability and security in Afghanistan and the Ukraine conflict.
India had earlier this month expressed its concern at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterated its call for restraint by all concerned and the protection of civilians. In a statement in April this year, India said it is seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. It called for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy.
PM Modi also held a bilateral meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, and both leaders greeted each other with a warm hug. During the bilateral meeting, Putin referred to bilateral ties and their personal rapport and said, "We have such a relationship that I felt that you do not need any translation." In response PM Modi highlighted deep friendship between the two nations.
"My two visits to Russia in the last three months reflect our close coordination and deep friendship. Our Annual Summit in Moscow in July has strengthened our cooperation in every field. In 15 years, the BRICS has created its special identity and now many countries of the world want to join it. I am looking forward to participating in the BRICS Summit tomorrow," he said. This visit marks PM Modi's second visit to Russia this year and seventh in the last 10 years. Kazan is hosting the 16th BRICS Summit.
(With inputs from agency)
