PM Modi and Iran's Pezeshkian meet on BRICS sidelines amid West Asia tensions

Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi amid rising West Asia tensions. The meeting came as oil crossed $100 and Iran pushed BRICS members to deepen trade in national currencies.PM Modi meets Iran PresidentAmid escalating tensions in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.The 30-minute meeting came as renewed tensions between Iran and the United States threatens to intensify, raising fears of further disruption to global energy supplies as oil prices crossed $100.It was the second meeting between the two leaders in quick succession, following their brief interaction at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek earlier this month.During their earlier talks, Modi expressed concern over the conflict and reiterated India’s position that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial vessels and seafarers, and stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce must not be disrupted.Modi reiterated these concerns during his address to the BRICS Business Summit on Friday.PEZESHKIAN CALLS FOR REDUCED RELIANCE ON DOLLAR Addressing the Business Summit ahead of the bilateral talks, Pezeshkian urged BRICS countries to expand trade in national currencies and reduce their reliance on the US dollar.He also proposed a joint reinsurance fund with an initial capital of $10 billion to cover risks associated with major infrastructure and energy projects.Pezeshkian called for closer integration of trade and transport networks, digital customs procedures and fewer regulatory barriers. He said the New Development Bank should play a larger role in financing projects across BRICS countries.The Iranian president also sought greater cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, common industrial standards and cross-border markets.Highlighting Iran’s energy reserves and strategic location, Pezeshkian said the country could play an important role in BRICS supply chains for energy, food and transport.He also called on the BRICS Business Council to move beyond discussions and set measurable targets for trade, national-currency settlements and private investment.- EndsPublished By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 19:30 IST