Iran sees BRICS as a forum for dialogue and pushes deeper India ties

Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s ambassador to India, told reporters that a genuine return to diplomacy, mutual respect and adherence to international law would open the door for Tehran’s engagement. He highlighted the New Delhi Declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS summit as significant for its emphasis on national sovereignty, territorial integrity and condemnation of unilateral actions, as well as its concern over attacks on nuclear facilities, Gaza’s humanitarian situation and civilian infrastructure.

Fathali described BRICS as a useful venue for dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building when regional tensions flare. While denying any current oil-supply negotiations with India, he said Iran welcomes expanded energy cooperation with Indian oil and gas companies. He also pointed to the development of Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor as key to boosting trade and connecting India with Iran, Central Asia and beyond. The ambassador reiterated Iran’s support for independent investigations into alleged US attacks on civilian sites in Minab, Lamerd and a wedding in Kuhestak.