Modi meets Pezeshkian amid US-Iran War: Seafarers’ safety in West Asia, BRICS cooperation discussed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian representative Masoud Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi during the 18th BRICS Summit, underscoring a push to strengthen ties between India and Iran and to coordinate positions in multilateral forums. The leaders used the summit’s platform to discuss joint initiatives, including enhanced cooperation within BRICS and specific steps to improve the safety of Indian seafarers navigating the volatile waters of West Asia.

The meeting took place on Friday in the national capital, coinciding with the summit’s schedule of high‑level engagements. While no quantitative targets were disclosed, both sides signaled intent to develop operational mechanisms aimed at safeguarding Indian vessels and crew in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding maritime routes, regions that have seen heightened security concerns.

India and Iran have a long history of diplomatic and economic interaction, and the discussion reflects ongoing efforts to deepen that relationship amid shifting regional dynamics. The outcomes are expected to benefit the Indian shipping industry, Iranian maritime authorities, and the broader community of seafarers who rely on secure passage through the Middle East, while also reinforcing India’s strategic engagement within the BRICS framework.