PM Modi holds Pezeshkian's hand in striking moment at BRICS Business Forum summit

One photograph from the BRICS Business Summit in New Delhi captured India’s diplomatic position in a deeply divided world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa alongside them.

The image stood out because of its timing. Iran is at the centre of a conflict that has disrupted energy supplies and maritime trade, while Russia remains under sweeping Western sanctions over the Ukraine war.

India has kept its channels open with both countries while maintaining its strategic partnership with the United States and other Western powers.

This approach was evident in PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Pezeshkian. The Prime Minister called for an end to the hostilities through dialogue and diplomacy.

He also stressed that civilians, commercial vessels and seafarers must be protected and that freedom of navigation and commerce must not be disrupted.

PM Modi struck a similar note during his separate meeting with Putin. The two leaders discussed defence, energy, trade and strategic cooperation, while he reiterated India’s call for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that it is not passively neutral but stands on the side of peace. At the same time, it has avoided being drawn into rival geopolitical camps and continued to engage countries on opposing sides.

That balancing act shaped India’s stewardship of the summit, which has cooperation as one of its central themes.

The photograph summed up that approach: India at the centre, engaging Iran and Russia while keeping space open for dialogue and cooperation in an increasingly fractured world.- EndsPublished By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 19:08 IST