Modi and Pezeshkian Hold Second Bilateral Meeting Amid Iran Crisis

Bilateral Talks and Regional Stability in West Asia

During their meeting on Friday, PM Modi and President Pezeshkian discussed the escalating situation in West Asia and ways to expand bilateral ties. The talks came just weeks after the two leaders met in Bishkek on August 31. PM Modi raised the issue of regional stability amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, emphasizing that the safety and security of seafarers remain India’s top priority. India positioned dialogue and diplomacy as the definitive way forward for a lasting solution, stressing that energy security is a key concern and that vessels carrying supplies must have safe passage. The meeting occurred as oil prices crossed $100 and regional conflict threatened global energy supplies, with roughly 20% of global petroleum supplies carried through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trade and Economic Resilience within BRICS

Ahead of the bilateral talks, President Pezeshkian spoke at the BRICS Business Forum on Friday, where he called for member nations to use national currencies during trade to bypass US dollar reliance. Pezeshkian stated that the new BRICS bank was created to free countries from dollar dependence and stand against American dominance. The Iranian leader called out US military aggression and sanctions, urging BRICS to foster an environment where no country can disrupt another’s legitimate trade by monopolizing financial instruments. Pezeshkian also proposed a joint reinsurance fund with an initial capital of $10 billion to cover risks for major infrastructure and energy projects.

Diplomatic Context and Historical Ties

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed the Iranian leader on social media, stating that India and Iran share civilizational ties marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds, and work as BRICS partners to contribute to shared progress and prosperity. The meeting carried particular significance for New Delhi because India depends heavily on energy imports, maintains thousands of citizens working across the region, and views Iran as a vital link to Afghanistan and Central Asia through the Chabahar port.