Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit New Delhi to participate in the upcoming BRICS Summit. This crucial diplomatic visit is scheduled for September, when India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit under its presidency. Against the backdrop of complex global geopolitics and ongoing developments in West Asia, the Iranian leader's presence in the Indian capital carries significant strategic weight.
India's BRICS Presidency and Summit Theme
India officially assumed the presidency of the BRICS grouping from Brazil at the beginning of 2026. For the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India has outlined a focused vision under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability." As the host nation, India is prioritizing deeper economic integration, technological partnership, and sustainable development among member states.
Previous Meeting Between PM Modi and Pezeshkian
The upcoming visit follows a bilateral meeting between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024. That interaction took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, where both leaders held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral ties and pressing regional matters. The September summit in New Delhi provides another opportunity for top-level dialogue to further strengthen trade and diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
BRICS Expansion to 11 Full Member Nations
The BRICS alliance has undergone substantial expansion over the past two years. Iran joined the group as a full member in 2024, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. The footprint of the coalition expanded further in 2025 when Indonesia officially entered the group, bringing the total number of full members to 11. This enlargement underscores the rising global economic stature of the bloc.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's Visit to New Delhi
Paving the way for the presidential visit, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to India in June to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi following those deliberations, Araghchi highlighted India's growing standing as a global peacemaker. He emphasized that New Delhi possesses the diplomatic credibility to play a major role in de-escalating heightened tensions across West Asia.
Push for Negotiated Solutions Over Military Conflict
During his interaction in New Delhi, Foreign Minister Araghchi made it clear that Tehran sees no future in armed warfare. He stated that the ongoing regional crises cannot be resolved through military means, emphasizing that a negotiated settlement represents the only practical path forward. Reiterating Tehran's openness to Indian diplomatic involvement, Araghchi noted, "We would welcome any constructive role by India."
Talks With EAM S. Jaishankar on Maritime Trade Security
Foreign Minister Araghchi also held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his June visit. In these discussions, Araghchi assured that friendly nations can depend on Iran to safeguard trade and maritime navigation. He affirmed that Iran will continue to uphold its historic responsibility as a guardian of security in the vital Strait of Hormuz.
