Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the escalating situation in West Asia and ways to expand bilateral ties, as the Iranian leader arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS summit.The meeting, their second in less than two weeks, comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and fresh punitive economic measures imposed by the US on Iran. It was also Pezeshkian’s first visit to India since becoming Iran’s president.Also read: India-BRICS trade increased more than 100% during last five years to USD 417 billion in 2025-26The talks focused on reviewing the broader regional situation and the trajectory of India-Iran relations. India is also expected to reiterate the importance of freedom of navigation and protection of civilians and critical infrastructure in the region.“India and Iran share civilizational ties, marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds. As BRICS partners, the two countries are working to contribute to shared progress and prosperity,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media.Modi, Pezeshkian discuss West AsiaModi and Pezeshkian had previously met in Bishkek on August 31, when the Indian prime minister conveyed that India supports all efforts aimed at ending the conflict.Pezeshkian had urged Modi to use India’s extensive contacts with various parties to help steer them away from war and bloodshed and towards dialogue and agreement.The latest meeting comes as the regional conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies, with Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz causing severe disruption to global oil flows.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global petroleum supplies.Also read: US-Israel's war has pushed Iran’s economy into a ‘far more dangerous phase’, says President Masoud PezeshkianPezeshkian pushes BRICS economic resiliencePezeshkian arrived in New Delhi hours before his meeting with Modi to attend the BRICS summit. His visit marks his first trip to India as Iran’s president.Ahead of his departure for New Delhi, Pezeshkian called for a stronger economic focus from BRICS, arguing that the grouping should work towards greater economic resilience.“The new BRICS bank was created to free countries from reliance on the dollar and to stand against America's push for dominance,” he said.The Iranian president’s visit comes at a sensitive juncture for India-Iran ties, with the two countries also engaging through the BRICS platform as the conflict in West Asia places fresh pressure on regional stability and energy flows.