Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the 18th BRICS Summit in India as an important opportunity to expand economic, trade, industrial, and scientific cooperation among member states while strengthening multilateralism in international relations. Speaking before departing for India, President Pezeshkian said BRICS provides an important platform for dialogue with major countries. He highlighted the participation of China, Russia, Brazil, India, and other regional countries as an opportunity for bilateral and multilateral consultations.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the Iranian president said the grouping currently has 21 members, including 11 full members and 10 official partners known as BRICS Plus. President Pezeshkian noted that BRICS members account for more than 45 percent of the world's population and approximately 35 percent of global territory, giving the bloc considerable potential across different sectors.
The president said one of BRICS' main objectives is to counter unilateralism and enable countries to preserve their independence while expanding commercial relations. He added that this year's summit is centered on solidarity, sustainability, resilience, and innovation. These principles, he said, can support cooperation and exchanges among members in economic, financial, industrial, scientific, and trade sectors.
President Pezeshkian also pointed to BRICS' financial mechanisms, including the New Development Bank, saying the institution can facilitate investment and joint projects among member states. He stressed the importance of reducing dependence on the US dollar in economic transactions, arguing that the use of alternative mechanisms could help promote economic and regional development while strengthening countries' ability to resist unilateral pressure.
Regarding Iran-India relations, President Pezeshkian said the two countries have longstanding ties, shared cultural heritage, and potential for broader cooperation. He expressed hope that cooperation in cultural, economic, and social fields could be expanded. The president said his participation in the summit would provide opportunities for discussions with officials from different countries, both in sessions and bilateral meetings.
President Pezeshkian acknowledged the complexity of the global economy and said addressing the influence that some powers have established over international affairs requires new approaches and greater innovation. He expressed hope that Iran's participation in the BRICS summit would produce positive outcomes for the country. Shortly after these remarks, the president left Tehran for New Delhi to attend and deliver a speech at the BRICS Summit.
During his stay in the Indian capital, Pezeshkian is also scheduled to participate in the BRICS Leaders' Economic Forum and a closed-door meeting of BRICS leaders on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism. He will also have separate meetings with the Indian prime minister, Malaysian prime minister, the president of South Africa, and a number of other leaders and officials from the participating countries.