Iran reaffirms partnership with India ahead of BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Iran's Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed the country's commitment to its partnership with India, describing their relationship as rooted in "long-standing civilisational and historic ties" that Tehran values highly.

The statement comes as both nations prepare for discussions at the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where bilateral consultations are expected to feature prominently.

BRICS platform for continued dialogue

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei indicated Iran will leverage the BRICS Summit to advance talks with India on areas of mutual interest. The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 12-13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and will host leaders from BRICS member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Baghaei's remarks were released in a statement by the Iranian Embassy in India.

Chabahar Port on bilateral agenda

The Iranian spokesperson confirmed that Chabahar Port remains a key issue in bilateral discussions, describing it as important to both countries. "Various issues are usually discussed during consultations between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port, which is important to both countries," Baghaei said.

India and Iran are jointly developing the Chabahar port to strengthen connectivity and trade ties, and both nations are advocating for its integration into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The port provides India with direct access to Afghanistan while bypassing Pakistan, which does not grant India land transit routes, and reduces Indian reliance on traditional maritime chokepoints.

High-level engagement resumes

Baghaei referenced the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Modi met Pezeshkian on August 31 in the Kyrgyz capital, marking the first top-level meeting between the two countries since the beginning of the war on Iran in February. During the meeting, Modi urged Pezeshkian to ensure peace and stability in West Asia and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: The Hindu