Iranian leaders have urged India to mobilise BRICS to play a strong and constructive role in the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
According to official Iranian readouts, the appeal came during separate telephone calls on March 12 between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and between Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Tehran specifically asked New Delhi, which currently chairs BRICS, to help address the widening West Asia crisis. Moreover, the conflict has disrupted global energy flows and key shipping routes, raising broader economic concerns. During the call, Modi described India as a “friend of Iran,” while Pezeshkian acknowledged the remark and stressed the need for a more active BRICS role.
Similarly, Araghchi repeated the demand in his conversation with Jaishankar, marking their fourth exchange since hostilities began on February 28. Jaishankar later confirmed discussions on bilateral and BRICS-related matters in a public statement.
India faces a diplomatic balancing challenge
Meanwhile, Iran maintained that it did not initiate the war and acted in self-defence by targeting US military bases. Modi, however, expressed concern over escalating tensions and emphasised diplomacy, noting that a wider conflict would benefit no party.
India now faces a complex diplomatic challenge. Notably, BRICS has expanded to include both Iran and the United Arab Emirates, which are on opposing sides after recent strikes. Furthermore, the bloc has yet to issue a joint statement under India’s leadership, unlike previous coordinated responses.
At the same time, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified pressure on India’s energy security. Consequently, LPG shortages have begun affecting domestic sectors, particularly hospitality and food services.
