Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday for bilateral talks held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The meeting came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and focused on regional stability, maritime safety and strengthening India-Iran ties.

Pezeshkian arrived in India to attend the BRICS Summit and held discussions with PM Modi for the second time in less than two weeks. Modi had earlier met the Iranian president on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.

During Friday’s meeting, PM Modi highlighted India’s concerns over the continuing crisis in West Asia. He stressed that the safety and security of seafarers remains a top priority for India.

India also reiterated its position that a lasting solution to the regional crisis must come through dialogue and diplomacy. Energy security was another key concern, with India emphasising the need for safe passage for vessels carrying supplies.

The talks took place against the backdrop of the wider Middle East crisis, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised concerns over energy security and maritime trade. 

Pezeshkian calls for greater BRICS economic resilience

Earlier on Friday, Pezeshkian addressed the BRICS Business Forum and called for greater economic cooperation among member countries.

He said BRICS should focus on strengthening its economic resilience and advocated the use of national currencies for trade among member countries. The Iranian president also argued that the grouping should work toward reducing dependence on the US dollar.

Pezeshkian criticised US sanctions and military actions, saying BRICS should create conditions where legitimate trade cannot be disrupted by the monopolisation of financial instruments.

Modi and Pezeshkian had met in Bishkek

PM Modi and Pezeshkian had last met on August 31 in Bishkek. During that meeting, Modi said India wanted to strengthen its longstanding friendship with Iran and expand and diversify bilateral trade.

The two leaders also discussed developments in the West Asia conflict. Modi reiterated India’s position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the importance of protecting civilians, commercial shipping and seafarers.

During the earlier meeting, Pezeshkian had sought India’s diplomatic support in encouraging the conflicting sides to move away from violence and return to negotiations.

The latest Modi-Pezeshkian talks come as India hosts the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with the regional crisis and its impact on the global economy forming an important backdrop to the high-level discussions.

US President Donald Trump has promised to give every adult American $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress following the November midterm elections.

Trump made the announcement while addressing the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, where he urged supporters to back his party in the November 3 election.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump said, referring to the proposed payment as the “Trump dividend.”

Trump does not specify funding source

Trump did not provide details about how the proposed payments would be financed. He said only that the US was making “so much money.”

The proposal could cost at least $1 trillion, according to the report, and its financial and political feasibility remains uncertain.

Trump also urged voters to treat the midterm election as if he himself were on the ballot, saying, “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot.”

Trump seeks Republican victory in midterms

Trump is seeking to help Republicans retain both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.

The pledge comes as Trump’s approval ratings remain in the low 30s, while voters have expressed concerns over high prices and the US war with Iran.

Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate 51-49 in November, according to the report.

Trump also defends Iran war and tariffs

During his speech, Trump defended the US military action against Iran, saying he believed Tehran was close to developing a nuclear weapon.

He also said oil prices would fall after the US wins the war with Iran and defended his administration’s sweeping tariffs on US trade partners.

Trump further warned that the United States could become a “communist country” if Democrats win, while urging voters to support Republicans.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo, with the two leaders discussing the broad India-Sri Lanka partnership and cooperation to promote regional safety, security, peace and prosperity.

Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a three-day visit. During his meeting with Dissanayake, he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and congratulated the Sri Lankan president on the completion of two years of his government.

India, Sri Lanka reaffirm regional cooperation

According to the Ministry of Defence, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to working together as close neighbours and maritime partners for the development and welfare of their people.

They also emphasised cooperation to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. The meeting comes during Singh’s first visit to Sri Lanka as India’s defence minister in 38 years.

Dissanayake recalled his interactions with Prime Minister Modi and reiterated that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used for activities that could harm India’s security interests.

The Sri Lankan president also thanked India for the relief assistance provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and for the rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Singh said India viewed its support to Sri Lanka not as a favour but as a responsibility as a close friend and neighbour.

India, Sri Lanka exchange defence cooperation MoUs

The two countries also exchanged memoranda of understanding covering the upgrading of L70 guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps and the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka.

Under one MoU, six L70 guns earlier provided by India to the Sri Lanka Air Force will be upgraded under an Indian government grant. The Ministry of Defence said the upgrade would strengthen the air defence architecture protecting critical assets in Sri Lanka.

Another agreement between the National Defence Colleges of the two countries will facilitate academic cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The NCC cooperation agreement will formalise a youth exchange programme, allowing NCC cadets from different countries to participate in events in New Delhi.

Bailey bridges inaugurated

During the meeting, Singh and Dissanayake virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by Indian defence forces.

Singh also said during his interaction with the Indian diaspora on Tuesday that India would continue to stand with Sri Lanka during times of crisis. He highlighted the relationship between the two countries as being rooted in shared history, culture and faith.

Singh is leading a high-level delegation comprising senior officials from the ministries of defence and external affairs during his Sri Lanka visit.