New Delhi: Iran has highlighted its strong historical and cultural relationship with India, saying that the country considers its ties with New Delhi highly important.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two countries have shared close connections for many years. He stressed that Iran values its relationship with India and wants to continue strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The comments came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a high-level meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on September 8, 2026.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed several important regional issues. They exchanged views on peace and stability in West Asia and the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a major waterway for international trade and energy transportation.
The meeting was particularly significant as it was the first high-level interaction between the two leaders since the conflict in Iran began earlier this year. The discussions provided an opportunity for India and Iran to exchange views on the changing situation in the region.
Baghaei also spoke about the upcoming 18th BRICS Summit, which India is scheduled to host in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Iran is expected to participate in the summit and use the opportunity to continue discussions with India on issues of common interest.
The BRICS platform provides an important opportunity for countries to discuss economic cooperation, trade, development and other international issues. Iran’s participation could also help strengthen its engagement with India and other member countries.
Chabahar Port Remains Important
Another major issue in India-Iran relations is the development of Chabahar Port in Iran. Baghaei has previously said that the port remains an important subject during discussions between the two countries.
India and Iran have been working together on Chabahar Port to improve trade and transportation links in the region. The port is strategically important for India because it provides an alternative route to Afghanistan and Central Asia without depending on Pakistan’s land routes.
Chabahar also has a wider regional importance because it is connected to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The corridor aims to improve transportation and trade links between South Asia, Central Asia, Iran, Russia and other parts of the region.
For India, better connectivity through Chabahar could create new opportunities for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. For Iran, cooperation with India can bring greater investment and strengthen its role as a regional transportation hub.
The continued focus on Chabahar shows that economic and connectivity projects remain an important part of India-Iran relations, even as both countries discuss wider regional security issues.
India and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with cooperation covering trade, energy, connectivity, culture and regional affairs. Recent discussions between the two countries show that both sides want to maintain communication and continue working together despite challenges in the region.
The upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi is expected to provide another opportunity for Indian and Iranian leaders to discuss bilateral relations as well as broader regional and international issues.