New Delhi: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticised the United States and Israel, declaring that Iran will not surrender or bow to pressure as he addressed religious leaders, intellectuals and business representatives in New Delhi.
Pezeshkian, who arrived in India to attend the BRICS Summit, said Iran had faced pressure from the US and Israel but remained determined to defend itself. He accused the two countries of targeting civilians and critical infrastructure during the ongoing conflict and questioned their claims of supporting human rights.
The Iranian President said Tehran was ready to push back against any further pressure and maintained that all people should have equal rights. He also criticised attacks on schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, arguing that military confrontations should not involve ordinary people.
Alongside his criticism of the US and Israel, Pezeshkian highlighted the potential for stronger cooperation between Iran and India. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their hospitality and expressed hope that recent talks would lead to expanded cooperation in culture, technology, trade, science and the economy.
Modi and Pezeshkian held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, marking their second meeting in less than two weeks. The two leaders had previously met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek on August 31.
Modi thanked Iran for maintaining high level participation in BRICS activities despite challenging circumstances. He also highlighted the potential of BRICS to strengthen resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries of the Global South.
The two leaders discussed recent developments in West Asia, with Modi reiterating India’s position that disputes should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of lasting peace and stability in the region, along with freedom of navigation, uninterrupted commerce and the safety of seafarers.
India and Iran also discussed continued cooperation on issues of mutual interest through multilateral platforms, including BRICS.
