Iran's Pezeshkian Gets Grand Welcome in Delhi During BRICS Summit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian received a high-profile welcome in New Delhi during the India-hosted BRICS Summit, with President Droupadi Murmu hosting him at Rashtrapati Bhavan ahead of the opening session. He was the only visiting dignitary to be hosted at the presidential estate during the summit.

Pezeshkian, who arrived in the capital with his daughter Zahra, held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The visit comes amid ongoing conflict in West Asia involving Iran and the United States.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Iranian president visited the Iranian Hall, which houses prominent Qajar-era Persian artwork from the reign of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, who ruled from 1797 to 1834. Welcoming Pezeshkian on his first trip to India, President Murmu appreciated Iran's support during India's BRICS presidency. The two leaders discussed the long-standing friendship between their countries, including strong cultural and people-to-people ties, and Murmu reiterated India's commitment to enduring peace in the region.

Among the visits during the summit, Pezeshkian's stood out as the most consequential, with New Delhi rolling out the red carpet and strengthening ties with its civilisational partner.

Union Minister Annpurna Devi escorted Zahra Pezeshkian to the BRICS Bazaar at the National Crafts Museum, adjacent to Bharat Mandapam, where artisans from all member countries are showcasing their crafts. In a post on X, Devi said it was a pleasure to welcome her and show her the rich traditions, art, crafts and cultural heritage presented by BRICS members and partner nations.

A day earlier, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi organised an event for Pezeshkian that was attended by representatives from various communities, faiths and political affiliations. At the event, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran refuses to "kneel" and will not surrender to pressure or oppression from the United States and Israel.