PM Modi and Iran’s President Pezeshkian: Key Talks on BRICS Sidelines
During the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking a significant moment in diplomatic relations between India and Iran. This meeting, which occurred on the sidelines of the summit, was their first formal interaction since Pezeshkian assumed the presidency of Iran in July 2024. The encounter underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, which have shared civilizational and cultural connections for centuries. As neighboring countries with overlapping economic and security interests, India and Iran have much to collaborate on, making this meeting a noteworthy event in the broader geopolitical landscape.
Historical and Civilizational Ties Between India and Iran
India and Iran’s relationship dates back to ancient times, rooted in shared history, cultural exchanges, and trade links. These civilizational ties have continued to evolve through the ages, from the days of the Silk Road to modern diplomacy. The two countries have often found themselves aligned on various global issues, despite occasional political shifts and regional challenges. Iran’s strategic location, as part of India’s extended neighborhood, has always been significant for New Delhi’s foreign policy. The leaders of both countries have emphasized the importance of strengthening this partnership to foster mutual prosperity and security.
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Iran’s Economic and Strategic Importance to India
Iran holds a unique position in India’s foreign policy, particularly due to its strategic location and vast energy resources. As a key player in India’s energy security, Iran has been a major supplier of oil and natural gas to India, contributing significantly to its energy needs. The Chabahar Port, a major focal point of India-Iran collaboration, is another crucial aspect of their relationship. This port serves as a gateway for India to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and plays a pivotal role in enhancing India’s connectivity with the region. Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian’s meeting is expected to advance discussions around the development and utilization of this port, which remains central to India’s strategic interests.
Masoud Pezeshkian’s Leadership and India-Iran Relations
Masoud Pezeshkian’s rise to the presidency of Iran in July 2024 has brought renewed attention to India-Iran relations. Pezeshkian, known for his pragmatic approach, has expressed a strong desire to strengthen ties with neighboring countries and key global powers. His meeting with Prime Minister Modi signals an opportunity for both nations to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in trade, energy, and security.
Under Pezeshkian’s leadership, Iran joined the BRICS group in September 2023, further enhancing its global standing. This move opened new possibilities for multilateral cooperation between India and Iran, as both countries are now part of the same global economic grouping. BRICS provides a platform for emerging economies to collaborate on various issues, from sustainable development to global governance reforms. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Iran in January 2024, his first since Iran joined BRICS, was a testament to India’s commitment to engaging with Iran at this multilateral level.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s Visit to Iran
S. Jaishankar’s visit to Iran earlier this year was a critical step in advancing bilateral relations between the two nations. During his visit, Jaishankar met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, where they held extensive discussions on several key topics. The Chabahar Port, which remains a cornerstone of India-Iran cooperation, was a focal point of their discussions. Both sides reiterated the importance of further developing the port to boost trade and connectivity in the region.
In addition to the Chabahar Port, Jaishankar and Amir-Abdollahian addressed various regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the situation in Afghanistan, and the Ukraine war. India has consistently expressed its concern over the instability in these regions, urging all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians. These discussions are part of India’s broader approach to promoting peace and stability in its extended neighborhood.
India’s Position on West Asia’s Escalating Tensions
India’s engagement with Iran is also shaped by the broader security situation in West Asia. The region has seen rising tensions, particularly between Israel and Iran, which has heightened concerns about regional stability. Earlier this month, India expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in West Asia, calling for restraint from all sides. In a statement, India reiterated the need for protecting civilians and preventing further escalation of violence in the region.
The escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran have been a particular point of concern for India, given the potential implications for peace and security in the region. In April 2024, India issued a statement highlighting its serious concern over the growing conflict between Israel and Iran. As a country with significant economic and security interests in West Asia, India has a vested interest in ensuring that the region remains stable. Diplomatic efforts, including dialogue with key players like Iran, are essential in preventing further destabilization.
The Afghanistan Factor
Another critical issue discussed during Modi’s meeting with Pezeshkian, as well as during Jaishankar’s visit to Iran, was the situation in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has remained a central point of concern for both India and Iran. The security vacuum in Afghanistan has created challenges for both countries, including the rise of extremist groups and the flow of refugees. India and Iran share a common interest in ensuring that Afghanistan does not become a breeding ground for terrorism and instability.
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India has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, providing food and medical aid to the Afghan people. The Chabahar Port, in particular, plays a key role in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, bypassing routes controlled by Pakistan. By strengthening ties with Iran, India seeks to ensure that it has continued access to Afghanistan and Central Asia through secure and reliable channels.
Conclusion: A Meeting with Broader Implications
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Pezeshkian at the BRICS Summit marks a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between India and Iran. As both nations navigate the complexities of regional and global politics, their shared interests in areas like trade, energy, security, and regional stability will continue to shape their relationship. The first meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian lays the groundwork for future cooperation, particularly as both countries work together within the BRICS framework to address common challenges.
The historical ties between India and Iran, coupled with their strategic interests, make this relationship one of great importance. With Iran’s membership in BRICS, the scope for collaboration has widened, offering new avenues for bilateral and multilateral engagement. As the world faces growing uncertainties, strong partnerships like the one between India and Iran will be crucial in promoting peace, stability, and development across the region and beyond.