Amid West Asia conflict, Iran president to meet PM Modi today

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to arrive in New Delhi for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, marking his first visit to India since taking office more than eight years ago. President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening, signifying a significant diplomatic encounter after a period of strained relations due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.

This meeting follows their previous discussion just 10 days ago in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, during the SCO leaders’ summit. At that time, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region and emphasized the importance of resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy. President Pezeshkian, in response, requested the Prime Minister to employ India's extensive contacts and historical ties to encourage Iran and other parties to abandon the path of war and aggression, instead pursuing dialogue and agreement.

The visit is particularly noteworthy as Iran and the UAE have yet to reach a consensus on the diplomatic language for the BRICS Delhi Declaration. In the current geopolitical climate, the meeting comes at a critical juncture for India, as it seeks to navigate the complex web of international relations while addressing concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader implications of the conflict in the Middle East.