PM Modi meets Pezeshkian, calls for dialogue, diplomacy to end conflict in West Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi. Photo credit: narendramodi.in/X via PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 11, 2026) met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of the BRICS summit and called for a resolution to the ongoing conflict with the United States “through dialogue and diplomacy”. Speaking at a public event later in the evening, President Pezeshkian said his talks with Mr Modi would help Iran’s energy and trade ties with India, calling Israel and the US “tyrants” and saying: “Iran will not be bullied”.

Mr. Modi highlighted disruptions to the energy supply chain due to the conflict and stressed the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been impounded since the US-Israeli coalition attacked Iran on February 28. President Pezeshkian, who arrived here earlier in the day for his first visit to India, has been calling on both sides for deeper cooperation since taking the helm in 2020.

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“I am happy to have met Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. This visit is more special as it is his first visit to India. We talked about the friendship between India and Iran. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. After the meeting, India Mod remains steadfast in its determination to pursue lasting peace,” the Prime Minister said.

Regarding the US-Israeli attack on Iran, President Pezeshkian said: “Iran will not accept bullying. Human history tells us that tyrants and oppressors are ultimately destroyed.” Referring to the hostility between Iran and the US, he added: “Since the day of the Islamic Revolution, they have been trying to impose sanctions and sow the seeds of division in our society. We seek truth and justice. We will not give in to bullying.”

“The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement after the two leaders met.

“He also emphasized the need for continuous efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, ensuring freedom of navigation and trade and the safety and welfare of seafarers,” the ministry said of PM Modi’s remarks, highlighting the challenges India faces in energy security and maritime freedom due to the suffocating pressure in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr. Modi appreciated Iran’s regular participation in BRICS multilateral consultations and welcomed President Pezeshkian to the BRICS Business Forum leaders’ meeting.

Mr Pezeshkian had earlier met Prime Minister Modi on August 31 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The Iranian leader is accompanied by a large delegation that includes Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi and Finance Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh. Mr Araghchi had earlier visited India to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in May. The presence of Iran’s top-level delegation at the BRICS summit is being watched closely as Iran is caught in a war of words with the United Arab Emirates, a BRICS member.

At the BRICS trade forum, President Pezeshkian called for greater use of national currencies to address “currency risk and mutual settlement.” He called for the creation of a joint BRICS insurance company with an initial capital of $10 billion to cover major infrastructure and energy projects.

Citing Mr. Pezeshkian’s speech, the Iran News Agency (IRNA) said: “Iran, with its vast energy reserves and unique geographical location, is ready to play the role of a strategic partner in the BRICS energy, food and transport supply chains.”

In a statement before his departure, Mr Pezeshkian described BRICS as an “important platform” for dialogue with major economies. “The president said one of the main goals of BRICS is to fight unilateralism and allow countries to maintain their independence while expanding trade relations,” IRNA reported.

The public meeting attended by the Iranian president was attended by representatives and leaders of various religions, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Kashmir, think tank leaders and businessmen.

Speaking on the occasion, Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Fathali appreciated the support of the Indian people during the ongoing conflict. He said Iran had lost many of its top commanders and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, but the country had emerged stronger from the conflict. “The people stand by the government and the government stands by the people,” said Ambassador Fathali.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 21:02 IST