Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi praised India’s chairship of BRICS, expressing confidence in New Delhi’s ability to guide the expanding bloc of emerging economies ahead of the summit.

He spoke with the media on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in the national capital, highlighting India’s growing geopolitical influence and its pivotal role as the current chair of the group.

He described India as a great emerging country presiding over BRICS and emphasised that the institution is playing a very important role. He added that he was sure India would be able to lead the BRICS group and its member countries in an excellent way.

Addressing the ongoing economic discussions within the bloc, particularly regarding financial integration and de-dollarisation, Araghchi acknowledged differing perspectives among member states but pointed to a shared commitment to local currency trade.

He explained that inside BRICS there are different opinions, but all members believe that national currencies should be strengthened and trade between member states should be conducted through national currencies. He noted that a more unified financial apparatus remains a long-term topic, adding that having a single currency is still under consideration.

Araghchi made these remarks as he arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS summit along with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Finance Minister Seyed Ali Madanizadeh.

Earlier in the day, President Pezeshkian asserted that Tehran would not yield in the face of bullying and arrogance, accusing the United States of actively attempting to sow division and destabilise Iranian society through sanctions.

Addressing a gathering of Indian religious leaders, scholars, and businesspeople in New Delhi, the Iranian head of state underscored Tehran’s commitment to self-reliance and peaceful coexistence despite external pressures.

He declared that Iran would not surrender to oppression and would exchange experiences to build a society in which all human beings live freely and without oppression and exploitation.

He stressed that this was what Iran was pursuing, and that the United States did not want such independence, as it sought to prevent Iran from providing services to its people.

The Iranian leader pointed out that foreign interference and coercive economic tactics have persistently targeted the country since the 1979 revolution. He explained that since the revolution was victorious, external forces had tried to bring about division, sanctions and discord in Iranian society to ensure their own intentions prevailed.

Emphasising human dignity, equality, and global justice over conflict, he added that all people are equal and brothers, with equal rights, and that they can peacefully coexist with justice. He insisted that Iran would not surrender to oppression and would not yield in the face of bullying and arrogance, since it was seeking truth and justice.

Previously, President Pezeshkian met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi thanked Iran for its regular, high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite challenging circumstances.

He noted the potential for BRICS in building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries in the Global South.

ANI