Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on September 11, 2026, in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit. The meeting, which followed a prior bilateral discussion in Bishkek, focused on regional stability, energy security, and the need for dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts. President Pezeshkian, who made his first visit to India since taking office in 2024, emphasized the importance of India-Iran cooperation and called the U.S. and Israel 'bullies.' The discussion also addressed the disruption of the energy supply chain and the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran on February 28, 2026.

The Indian government reiterated its commitment to resolving the Middle East crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, as stated in a Ministry of External Affairs statement. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers, which have been impacted by the ongoing conflict. The BRICS summit, which includes Iran as a member, is seen as a critical platform for economic resilience and countering U.S. dominance, with Pezeshkian advocating for the use of national currencies in trade and the creation of a joint BRICS insurance company.

Iranian President Pezeshkian described the BRICS summit as an 'important platform' for dialogue with major economies, emphasizing the bloc’s role in countering unilateralism and promoting commercial relations. He also called for greater economic cooperation to address the adverse impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East crisis, and U.S. trade policies. The Iranian delegation, including Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi and Finance Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, is being closely watched as Iran navigates tensions with fellow BRICS member UAE. The summit in New Delhi is taking place amid a global economy facing significant challenges from geopolitical uncertainties and trade disruptions.

No direct response from the U.S. The Iranian ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, acknowledged the support of the Indian people during the crisis, noting that Iran has emerged stronger despite the loss of key leaders and commanders. However, the situation remains unresolved, with the U.S. and Israel continuing their military and economic pressure on Iran. The BRICS summit and subsequent discussions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future, though the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen.

The meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian underscores the strategic importance of India-Iran relations in the face of global instability. Both leaders have emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation to address shared challenges, including energy security and maritime freedom. While the exact details of their discussions remain undisclosed, the focus on dialogue and economic collaboration suggests a concerted effort to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for regional stability and the broader BRICS initiative, though the full impact remains uncertain without further developments.