Iran President Pezeshkian to visit Delhi for BRICS Summit amid US war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to travel to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12-13, sources told CNN-News18. His visit comes amid continuing tensions in West Asia and the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

The visit could provide an opportunity for Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss India-Iran ties, regional developments and economic cooperation.

Why the visit matters for India

With tensions in the region continuing, Pezeshkian's visit could give New Delhi a direct channel to Tehran on issues such as de-escalation, regional stability and diplomacy.

Energy security is another key concern. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for India's energy supplies and shipping, making stability in the region important for the country.

India's relationship with Iran also has a strong connectivity component, particularly through Chabahar Port. The port gives India a route to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan and is also linked to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

Chabahar and India's strategic balancing act

India has invested in developing the Shahid Beheshti terminal at Chabahar. However, the project has faced challenges because of US sanctions on Iran and uncertainty over long-term financing.

Iran's growing role in BRICS also adds another dimension to Pezeshkian's visit. The country is a relatively new member of the grouping, which includes India, Russia and China.

Iran has been seeking greater financial and trade cooperation through BRICS and has indicated plans to join the BRICS New Development Bank.

India-Iran ties under pressure

India and Iran have longstanding economic and strategic ties, but New Delhi has had to balance its relationship with Tehran against Western sanctions and changing geopolitical dynamics in West Asia.

Iran was historically among India's major crude oil suppliers, but direct commercial oil imports from Iran remain halted due to secondary US sanctions.

The two countries continue to engage through mechanisms including the Joint Committee Meeting and Foreign Office Consultations. India exports products including rice, tea, sugar and pharmaceuticals to Iran, while imports from Iran include fresh and dry fruits.

Pezeshkian's proposed Delhi visit therefore comes at a sensitive time, bringing together BRICS diplomacy, regional security, energy concerns and India's broader effort to maintain strategic ties with competing global powers.