Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian, reporting on his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, has expressed optimism that the 11-country coalition spanning four continents will work collaboratively to promote multilateralism and counteract the United States' aggressive strategies in the region and globally.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian, speaking on Sunday evening following the BRICS summit in New Delhi, described his discussions during the joint session and bilateral meetings with core members, especially host nation India, as highly productive. The Iranian delegation focused on articulating the country's positions and pursuing the summit's established objectives, emphasizing resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.
The President praised the positive stance of participating nations on key issues, including support for multilateralism, trade in national currencies, opposition to unilateral sanctions, and condemnation of attacks on nuclear facilities and civilian infrastructure. He expressed hope that the bullying actions of the United States in the region would be countered by the policies of BRICS member states, emphasizing the importance of striving for a multipolar world free from coercion and bullying.
President Pezeshkian also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation with India, noting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, would discuss the details and pursue follow-up on agreements reached, including expanding people-to-people ties. The conduct of India's Prime Minister, President, and officials toward the Iranian delegation was described as excellent and cordial, with a shared cultural sentiment and sense of affinity between the two nations.
He also highlighted constructive talks with leaders from Malaysia, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt, as well as brief interactions with his Russian and Chinese counterparts. His encounter with the Abu Dhabi crown prince was described as positive, with both sides agreeing to leave past differences behind and work toward a cooperative future.
Pezeshkian highlighted the summit's declaration, noting the condemnation of attacks on nuclear facilities and civilian infrastructure as a testament to BRICS members' respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of West Asian nations. Members opposed unilateral sanctions and coercive measures, supported Iran's accession to the World Trade Organization, and backed expanded trade using national and regional currencies.
The President also discussed the importance of reforming global governance and financial institutions, opposing occupation, supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, condemning Israeli aggression, creating a nuclear-weapon-free region, and combating terrorism without double standards. He emphasized that BRICS members rejected the use of military, technological, or economic superiority to impose will on others.
Addressing Israel's actions and US support for them, Pezeshkian stressed that no human being, regardless of their views, beliefs, or religion, can accept a situation where women, children, hospitals, and civilian gatherings are targeted. Other countries present at the summit also voiced their dissatisfaction and objections to the current trend.
Pezeshkian criticized countries claiming to champion democracy and human rights while acting inconsistently, stating, 'In a world where such claims are made, coercive tactics should not be used to block people's paths or cut off access to food, medicine, and essential livelihood,' a direct reference to the US sanctions regime against nations, supported by the West.
In conclusion, Pezeshkian expressed hope for a promising economic outlook, noting that talks helped establish excellent grounds for investment, financial exchanges, and the expansion of economic ties-a process that will continue to develop day by day.