Delhi rolls out red carpet for Pezeshkian, daughter: Rashtrapati Bhavan to shopping at BRICS Bazaar

President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his daughter Zahra to Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of the opening session of the BRICS Summit, marking the only foreign head of state hosted at the presidential estate during the event. The delegation met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extensive bilateral discussions, and the president highlighted Iran’s support for India’s BRICS presidency and the two nations’ longstanding friendship.

The Iranian delegation arrived in New Delhi on Friday and was shown the Iranian Hall – the historic Ashok Mandap that houses Qajar‑era Persian artworks from the reign of Fath‑Ali Shah. Union Minister Annpurna Devi escorted Zahra Pezeshkian to the BRICS Bazaar, a showcase of crafts from all member countries held at the National Crafts Museum adjoining Bharat Mandapam. A day earlier, the Iranian Embassy organized a multi‑community event where President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s refusal to bow to pressure from the United States and Israel.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with India seeking to reinforce its civilisational partnership with Iran through cultural diplomacy and trade promotion. Stakeholders include artisans displaying their work at the Bazaar, diplomatic corps monitoring regional stability, and the broader public interested in Indo‑Iran cultural exchanges. The high‑profile reception signals New Delhi’s intent to deepen strategic and people‑to‑people ties despite the broader geopolitical climate.