PM Modi meets Iranian President on margins of BRICS summit in Russia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who emphasised the need for peace in West Asia and the role that India could play in deescalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties amid heightened tension between Iran and IsraelThe two leaders who met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas including Chabahar Port and the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor INSTCHad a very good meeting with the President of Iran Mr Masoud Pezeshkian We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors Modi wrote on X in both English and PersianThis was their first meeting after Pezeshkian became president in July following his victory in snap elections Pezeshkian succeeded President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash in MayThe two leaders had a fruitful discussion Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told a media briefing hereBoth the leaders also discussed the situation in West Asia Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict and reiterated Indias call for the protection of civilians and the prevention of harm to civilians He emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy to deescalate the tensions Misri saidPresident Pezeshkian emphasised the need for peace and harmony in the region and the role that India could play in deescalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties involved the foreign secretary saidPrime Minister Modi congratulated President Pezeshkian on his recent victory and reaffirmed Indias commitment to deepening the ageold bilateral ties with Iran He also welcomed Iran in the BRICS familyBoth leaders emphasised the shared historical and civilisational ties between the two countries and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in various fieldsThe discussion focused on key areas of cooperation particularly the Chabahar Port and the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor INSTC which are crucial for enhancing regional connectivity and economic partnership Misri saidNoting that the signing of the longterm contract of Chabahar Port is an important milestone in bilateral relations the two leaders reaffirmed its significance for reconstruction and redevelopment of Afghanistan and enhancing trade and economic linkages with Central Asia the Ministry of External Affairs MEA said in a statementMisri said Afghanistan also figured in the discussion between the two leaders Both of them underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region alongwith continuing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan he saidPresident Pezeshkian acknowledged Indias role in Irans accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS They agreed to continue their cooperation in various international forums Misri saidPrime Minister invited President Pezeshkian to visit India at an early date President Pezeshkian accepted the invitation the MEA saidThe meeting between the two leaders came amid the IsraelHamas war and the IsraelHezbollah conflict that have shown signs of escalation Israel has also said it was preparing for retaliation against Irans missile attack earlier this monthIndia has been expressing deep concern over the current situation in West Asia and called for a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to deescalate the tension in the regionLast month Prime Minister Modi in September had called for a ceasefire in West Asia the release of hostages and a return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy and stressed that only a twostate solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the volatile regionThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever