Iran President, India PM meet in South Africa

President Ebrahim Raeisi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have met and conferred in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Raeisi, during which they reviewed bilateral ties including in areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity, counter-terrorism, and Afghanistan.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President Ebrahim Raeisi. I am glad that Iran will be joining BRICS. Discussed ways to deepen trade and cultural cooperation between India and Iran," Modi said in a post on platform X.

The prime minister's office said that Modi and Raeisi held wide-ranging talks during which they discussed ways to boost ties in sectors like energy, connectivity, and trade.

They had spoken over the phone on Friday and discussed strengthening of bilateral and regional cooperation, including realizing the full potential of Chabahar Port.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the prime minister felicitated Iran on Thursday on joining the BRICS family.

"President Raeisi thanked the PM for India’s support in achieving this outcome. President Raeisi also congratulated the PM on the success of the Chandrayaan mission," Bagchi said.

Raeisi and Modi reviewed bilateral ties including in areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and counter-terrorism, Bagchi said.

“They agreed to fast-track infrastructure cooperation, including the Chabahar project. They also exchanged views on regional developments, including Afghanistan."

A day earlier, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had congratulated India "on the flawless Chandrayaan3 mission", saying the achievement resonates around the world.

SS