India and Iran are looking to strengthen their long-standing relationship as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The meeting comes at an important moment for both countries, with West Asia facing continued geopolitical tensions and international trade routes under pressure. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi and Pezeshkian discussed different aspects of India-Iran relations. Modi also reiterated India’s position that disputes in the region should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
The meeting was particularly significant because it was the second interaction between the two leaders in less than two weeks. They had previously met during the SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31.
India and Iran have historically maintained close diplomatic and economic links. Their relationship has strategic importance because of Iran’s location and India’s interests in connectivity, trade and access to Central Asia. One of the most important areas of cooperation between India and Iran is the Chabahar port project. The port provides India with an important route towards Afghanistan and Central Asian markets without depending entirely on routes through Pakistan.
Connectivity has therefore remained an important part of India’s engagement with Tehran.
However, the relationship also operates within a complicated international environment. Iran’s relations with Western countries remain tense, while the wider West Asian region continues to experience instability. For India, maintaining communication with Iran is important because developments in the region can affect energy supplies, shipping routes and the safety of Indian citizens and businesses.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and commerce as well as the safety and well-being of seafarers. These concerns have become increasingly important because disruptions in regional waterways can have consequences far beyond the countries directly involved.
The economic side of the India-Iran relationship is also attracting attention. Both countries have an interest in expanding trade and finding areas where cooperation can continue despite wider geopolitical restrictions. President Pezeshkian has also expressed optimism about improving India-Iran relations following his meeting with Modi. The message suggests that both sides want to keep diplomatic channels active and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation. India’s approach towards Iran is also closely connected to its broader foreign policy strategy. New Delhi has been attempting to maintain relationships with countries across different geopolitical camps rather than becoming overly dependent on one bloc.
This balancing approach has become increasingly important as tensions rise between major global powers. The BRICS Summit provides an additional platform for India and Iran to work together. Both countries are members of the expanded BRICS grouping and have participated in discussions covering trade, economic cooperation and the role of developing nations in global institutions. For India, the priority will be to protect its economic and strategic interests while supporting diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
The relationship with Iran is not simply about bilateral trade. It also involves connectivity, energy security, regional stability and India’s access to markets beyond its immediate neighbourhood. At a time when West Asia remains one of the world’s most closely watched regions, continued India-Iran dialogue could prove important for New Delhi’s wider foreign policy. The latest meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian therefore carries significance beyond the BRICS Summit. It reflects India’s attempt to keep its diplomatic relationships active while encouraging stability and dialogue in a region that remains critical to India’s economic and strategic interests.
