Iran has emphasized its long-standing relationship with India as a key factor in its diplomatic strategy ahead of President Masoud Pezeshkian's upcoming visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit. During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran values its ties with New Delhi, which he described as a 'long-standing, historic and civilizational relationship.' The remarks were made in the context of Pezeshkian's recent bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Baghaei expressed confidence that the BRICS summit would provide a platform for deepening bilateral trade and strategic cooperation. He noted that India's role in major multilateral groupings, including the SCO and BRICS, makes it an important partner for Iran. The Iranian Embassy in India echoed these sentiments, stating that the relationship between the two nations is 'very good and continues to develop.'

The meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian marked their first encounter in two years. During the talks, Modi reiterated India's support for peace and stability in the region and expressed a commitment to expanding and diversifying bilateral trade with Iran. In a post on X, Modi wrote, 'Met President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek. Reiterated our commitment to strengthening India's long-standing friendship with Iran across diverse sectors.'

The discussions took place against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in West Asia, which have impacted regional stability and maritime logistics. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the meeting as 'fruitful,' noting that the leaders reviewed recent developments in the region and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and other senior delegates from Tehran attended the meeting.

Both nations have identified connectivity and logistics infrastructure, particularly the Chabahar Port, as a priority for collaboration. Baghaei highlighted that these issues are regularly discussed during consultations between Iran and India. The focus on infrastructure development underscores the strategic importance of the Chabahar Port in enhancing trade and regional connectivity. As the BRICS summit approaches, both countries are expected to leverage the platform to advance their shared interests and strengthen their bilateral relationship.