More Than A Gesture? PM Modi Holds Iran's Pezeshkian's Hand In Rare Show Of Bonhomie At BRICS Business Forum

News india More Than A Gesture? PM Modi Holds Iran's Pezeshkian's Hand In Rare Show Of Bonhomie At BRICS Business Forum

Last Updated:September 12, 2026, 07:28 IST

The image captured attention because of its timing: Iran is embroiled in a major conflict with the United States and Israel

One defining photograph from the 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi, grabbed many eyeballs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand as the latter beamed with a wide smile. Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were seen walking alongside the duo.

The image captured attention because of its timing: Iran is embroiled in a major conflict with the United States and Israel. While India maintains cordial relations with both Washington and Jerusalem, it has repeatedly pushed for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences.

The Iranian Embassy in India shared the image on X, writing: “When the leaders of two great nations join hands, they remind us of the historic friendship between two great civilizations."

“Long live the friendship between Iran and India!"

PM Modi-Pezeshkian Meeting

Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting on Friday, September 11, where the former reiterated India’s long-standing position on the West Asia conflict.

While PM Modi affirmed New Delhi’s commitment to peace, he stressed that freedom of navigation and trade must not be disrupted.

His remarks came as the maritime shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted in the wake of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Writing on X, PM Modi said: “From Bishkek to Delhi, the productive discussions continue. Happy to have met Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. This visit is more special because it is his first visit to India."

The Prime Minister said discussions were held on the bilateral relations between India and Iran, asserting the two nations should move forward with “a long-term and win-win strategy".

“We talked about the India-Iran friendship. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace", he said.

Pezeshkian landed in New Delhi on Friday to attend the two-day BRICS Summit being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

‘Won’t Surrender To Oppression’

In his address to religious leaders, intellectuals, and business figures in New Delhi, Masoud Pezeshkian issued a defiant message to the US and Israel, saying Tehran would not bow to “bullying" or “arrogance" and would stand firm to protect its national interests.

“They think people will surrender because of the lack of supplies but the people of Iran will not surrender, he said.

The Iranian leader said the US and Israel were making “errors like someone riding a wild horse without reining it in", warning that such actions would lead to “doom".

“God created Iranians, Chinese, Indians and others, and we have to live with each other," he said. “We will not surrender to oppression, we will keep supporting the oppressed."

About the Author

Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re...Read More

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