Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 11, 2026) met with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of the BRICS Summit and called for resolving the ongoing conflict with the United States “through dialogue and diplomacy”. Speaking at a public event later in the evening, President Pezeshkian said his talks with Mr. Modi will help Iran’s energy and commercial ties with India and referred to Israel and the U.S. as “bullies” and said, “Iran will not be bullied.”

Mr. Modi drew attention to the disruption in the energy supply chain because of the conflict and emphasised the need to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been caught in a chokehold ever since the U.S.-Israel coalition attacked Iran on February 28. President Pezeshkian, who arrived here earlier in the day for his first visit to India since he took charge in 2024, emphasised “commonalities” between the two sides and called for deeper cooperation.

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“Happy to have met Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. This visit is more special because it is his first visit to India. We talked about the India-Iran friendship. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace,” said Prime Minister Modi in remarks after the meeting.

Referring to the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, President Pezeshkian said, “Iran will not accept bullying. History of the humanity tells us that bullies and oppressors are ultimately destroyed.” Citing the hostilities between Iran and the U.S., he added, “Since the day of the Islamic Revolution, they have been trying to impose sanctions and have been sowing seeds of divisiveness in our society. We are seeking truth and justice. We will not surrender to bullying.”

“The two leaders exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement after the two leaders met.

“He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers,” said the Ministry on Prime Minister Modi’s remarks, highlighting the challenges that India has been facing on energy security and maritime freedom because of the chokehold in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr. Modi appreciated Iran’s regular participation in the multilateral consultations under BRICS and welcomed President Pezeshkian to the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum.

Mr. Pezeshkian previously met Prime Minister Modi on August 31 in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The Iranian leader is accompanied by a large delegation that includes Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi and Minister of Finance Seyed Ali Madanizadeh. Mr. Araghchi visited India earlier to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers-level meeting in May. The top-level Iranian delegation’s presence at the BRICS summit is being keenly watched as Iran is caught in a war of words with fellow BRICS member United Arab Emirates.

At the BRICS Business Forum, President Pezeshkian called for greater use of national currencies to deal with “currency risk and mutual settlement”. He called for the creation of a Joint BRICS insurance company with an initial capital of $10 billion to cover major infrastructure and energy projects.

Citing Mr. Pezeshkian’s speech, the Iranian News Agency (IRNA) said, “Iran, with its huge energy reserves and unique geographical position, is ready to play the role of a strategic partner in BRICS energy, food, and transportation supply chains.”

In a pre-departure statement, Mr. Pezeshkian described BRICS as an “important platform” for dialogue with major economies. “The President said one of BRICS’ main objectives is to counter unilateralism and enable countries to preserve their independence while expanding commercial relations,” IRNA reported.

The public meeting, in which the Iranian President was present, was attended by representatives and leaders of various religions, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq of Kashmir, heads of think tanks, and businesspeople.

Speaking on the occasion, Iran’s ambassador Mohammad Fathali appreciated the support from the Indian people during the ongoing conflict. He said Iran has lost many of its top commanders and the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28, but the country has managed to emerge stronger from the conflict. “The people are standing with the government and the government is standing with the people,” said Ambassador Fathali.