Iranian president arrives in India for BRICS summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New Delhi for a meeting of the BRICS summit, where geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will be a key topic of discussion. This is Pezeshkian's first visit to India in his role as president. The two-day summit, which begins on Saturday, is an effort by major emerging economies to challenge Western-dominated institutions.

Pezeshkian is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with discussions expected to focus on energy cooperation and Indian investments in Iran's strategic Chabahar port. The port, a key alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan, has recently become a point of contention due to security concerns and the impact of US sanctions on India's engagement with Iran.

Other leaders expected to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi include Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan are also slated to be present. The summit aims to foster greater influence for emerging economies in institutions traditionally controlled by Western powers.