Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Sep 13) said that Tehran and Abu Dhabi want to “turn the page” after relations between Iran and the UAE deteriorated amid the war in the Middle East. His remarks come a day after he held bilateral talks with Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday (Sep 12). Their meeting raised the possibility of India acting as a bridge between the two Gulf nations amid conflict.“For the first time since the war and the incidents that occurred in the Persian Gulf, we had a constructive exchange with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi,” Pezeshkian said in New Delhi on Sunday (Sep 13).&nbsp;“It was agreed that we would turn the page, look to the future and build it together,” he added.<h2>Pezeshkian, UAE Crown Prince bilateral meet</h2>In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the Crown Prince and the Iranian president held talks over regional and international issues. The two leaders also discussed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions and achieving stability in the region.“Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, discusses with the Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a number of regional and international issues, and the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions, and achieving stability in the region, as well as enhancing opportunities for peace and development for its peoples, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in India,” the statement read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi and discussed regional and international issues, de-escalation, stability, and efforts to advance regional peace and development. <a href="https://t.co/vEWoB6u1pt">pic.twitter.com/vEWoB6u1pt</a>&mdash; مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) <a href="https://x.com/ADMediaOffice/status/2098745662561309069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Can India bridge the gap?</h2>On Friday (Sep 11), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Pezeshkian, during which PM Modi stated India’s firm position for “dialogue and diplomacy” to reach a solution. He also raised New Delhi’s concerns over the protection of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels. He stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce should not be disrupted due to ongoing war.According to the MEA, PM Modi and Pezeshkian “exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran and Abu Dhabi agreed to “turn the page” and build a future together after BRICS talks in New Delhi.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday (Sep 13) said that Tehran and Abu Dhabi want to “turn the page” after relations between Iran and the UAE deteriorated amid the war in the Middle East. His remarks come a day after he held bilateral talks with Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday (Sep 12). Their meeting raised the possibility of India acting as a bridge between the two Gulf nations amid conflict. “For the first time since the war and the incidents that occurred in the Persian Gulf, we had a constructive exchange with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi,” Pezeshkian said in New Delhi on Sunday (Sep 13). “It was agreed that we would turn the page, look to the future and build it together,” he added. Pezeshkian, UAE Crown Prince bilateral meet In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the Crown Prince and the Iranian president held talks over regional and international issues. The two leaders also discussed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions and achieving stability in the region. “Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, discusses with the Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a number of regional and international issues, and the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions, and achieving stability in the region, as well as enhancing opportunities for peace and development for its peoples, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in India,” the statement read.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran and Abu Dhabi agreed to “turn the page” and build a future together after BRICS talks in New Delhi.

Iran-UAE thaw after BRICS talks in India? Pezeshkian says Tehran and Abu Dhabi to ‘turn the page’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks on Saturday (Sep 12) at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders held a meeting amid the tensions in the Middle East fueled by the US-Iran war. The meeting highlights India’s role in acting as a bridge between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as relations between the two Gulf nations soured when Tehran retaliated against the US strikes across the region.In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the Crown Prince and the Iranian president held talks over regional and international issues. The two leaders also discussed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions and achieving stability in the region.“Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, discusses with the Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a number of regional and international issues, and the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions, and achieving stability in the region, as well as enhancing opportunities for peace and development for its peoples, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in India,” the statement read.<h2>Can India bridge the gap?</h2>A day earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Pezeshkian, during which PM Modi stated India’s firm position for “dialogue and diplomacy” to reach a solution. He also raised New Delhi’s concerns over the protection of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels. He stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce should not be disrupted due to ongoing war.According to the MEA, PM Modi and Pezeshkian “exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.”Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi reiterated the importance of secure supply routes for global trade. “Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” he said.

At the India-hosted BRICS Summit, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian met UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed amid US-Iran tensions, highlighting India’s role as a potential Gulf diplomatic bridge.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks on Saturday (Sep 12) at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders held a meeting amid the tensions in the Middle East fueled by the US-Iran war. The meeting highlights India’s role in acting as a bridge between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as relations between the two Gulf nations soured when Tehran retaliated against the US strikes across the region. In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said that the Crown Prince and the Iranian president held talks over regional and international issues. The two leaders also discussed the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions and achieving stability in the region. “Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, discusses with the Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a number of regional and international issues, and the importance of supporting de-escalation efforts, reducing tensions, and achieving stability in the region, as well as enhancing opportunities for peace and development for its peoples, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in India,” the statement read. Can India bridge the gap? A day earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Pezeshkian, during which PM Modi stated India’s firm position for “dialogue and diplomacy” to reach a solution. He also raised New Delhi’s concerns over the protection of Indian seafarers and commercial vessels. He stressed that freedom of navigation and commerce should not be disrupted due to ongoing war. According to the MEA, PM Modi and Pezeshkian “exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia. Prime Minister reiterated India’s consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers.” Speaking at the BRICS Business Forum, PM Modi reiterated the importance of secure supply routes for global trade. “Global trade progress is possible only when sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe. That is why India is a staunch supporter of freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers,” he said.

At the India-hosted BRICS Summit, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian met UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed amid US-Iran tensions, highlighting India’s role as a potential Gulf diplomatic bridge.

India bridging Gulf divide amid war? Iran’s Pezeshkian meets UAE Crown Prince at BRICS

India is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South as New Delhi hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026.

With India holding the BRICS chairship, the summit provides New Delhi with a major platform to push issues affecting developing and emerging economies, including trade, investment, technology, digital payments, development and reforms to global institutions.

The expanded BRICS grouping brings together major emerging economies at a time of intense geopolitical tensions. India is seeking to use its diplomatic relationships across different power blocs while presenting BRICS as a platform for cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

Watch this report for the latest from BRICS 2026, India’s diplomatic push and New Delhi’s growing role on the global stage.

 India Positioning Itself As Leading Voice of the Global South

Can India become the bridge that a deeply divided world desperately needs?

As New Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic balancing act comes under the global spotlight. With leaders from Russia, China and Iran expected in New Delhi, key bilateral meetings could offer opportunities for dialogue amid some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel remain major challenges. India maintains working relationships with countries on opposing sides of these conflicts, giving New Delhi a unique diplomatic position.

But can BRICS become a meaningful space for peace? And can India use its role as BRICS chair to build common ground among members with competing interests?

WION speaks to former Indian ambassador and diplomat Gurjit Singh about India’s diplomatic role, the expansion of BRICS, China’s vision for the bloc and New Delhi’s challenge of keeping BRICS focused on the Global South.

Watch the full report and interview for an in-depth look at India’s biggest diplomatic test at BRICS 2026.

BRICS 2026: Modi, Putin & Xi Meet in New Delhi | Is a New Global Power Shift Coming

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to arrive in Moscow for a two-day visit as India-Russia relations take centre stage ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected visit to India for the BRICS Summit.

During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to co-chair the 27th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation with Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.

The commission is one of the key mechanisms overseeing economic and broader bilateral cooperation between India and Russia. The two countries also maintain a separate intergovernmental mechanism focused on military and technical cooperation.

Jaishankar’s Moscow visit comes as New Delhi continues to push for greater Russian investment in India and seeks to address the growing imbalance in bilateral trade.

India-Russia trade reportedly crossed $68 billion in 2024-25, while India’s exports to Russia remained significantly lower than its imports. Both countries have set an ambitious target of taking bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.

Jaishankar is also expected to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, with discussions likely to include the ongoing West Asia conflict and concerns surrounding energy supplies.

The visit comes at a crucial diplomatic juncture for India, which is preparing for several major international engagements, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan, the United Nations General Assembly in September and the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Jaishankar Heads To Moscow Ahead Of Putin’s India Visit | India-Russia Trade, Energy Talks In Focus


Panama has officially backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling India an essential voice for the Global South. In an exclusive interview with WION, Panama's Foreign Minister strongly supported comprehensive UN reforms, stating that the current global governance structure no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century.

The minister emphasized that India deserves a permanent seat on the UNSC while also advocating for permanent representation for Latin America. He further highlighted Panama's interest in expanding strategic ties with India through digital governance, innovation, technology, and education. Panama is also exploring the establishment of an IIT campus to serve the wider Latin American region.

Panama backs India’s UNSC permanent seat bid | Big boost for PM 

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM)&nbsp;Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said on Saturday (Nov 2) that friendships in the modern world are no longer exclusive, pointing to the evolving multipolar global landscape. Speaking at a book launch in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted India's aim to be a “Vishwamitra” or a friend to as many countries as possible.

During the event, India's foreign minister&nbsp;said that what one nation may consider freedom, another might interpret as interference. “What is perceived as freedom by one nation can be viewed as interference by another. The fact is that sensitivities like sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in evaluating partners,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

“Some friends may also be more complicated than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect or ethos of diplomatic etiquette. We have, from time to time, seen comments on our domestic issues,” the minister added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-likely-to-invite-indonesian-president-as-republic-day-chief-guest-772808">India likely to invite Indonesian president as Republic Day chief guest</a>

Stressing India’s openness to partnerships, Jaishankar described India as an adaptable civilisation, one that welcomes ties with various nations. “India is today positioning itself as a Vishwamitra. We seek to be friends with as many as possible... If you look deeper, there are cultural and historical factors at work as well, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilisation,” the EAM said.

He also listed the benefits seen by India’s QUAD allies—the United States, Japan, and Australia—who, he suggested, had overcome past historical reservations through their alliance with India.&nbsp;

“The US, Japan, and Australia have benefitted from the QUAD. They are examples of overcoming the hesitations of history. UAE and Israel are from a region that is being engaged comprehensively at last. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, ours as much as theirs,” he said.

Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and interest as crucial in driving these diplomatic shifts over the past decade.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said on Saturday (Nov 2) that friendships in the modern world are no longer exclusive, pointing to the evolving multipolar global landscape.

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said on Saturday (Nov 2) that friendships in the modern world are no longer exclusive, pointing to the evolving multipolar global landscape. Speaking at a book launch in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted India's aim to be a “Vishwamitra” or a friend to as many countries as possible. During the event, India's foreign minister said that what one nation may consider freedom, another might interpret as interference. “What is perceived as freedom by one nation can be viewed as interference by another. The fact is that sensitivities like sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in evaluating partners,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI. “Some friends may also be more complicated than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect or ethos of diplomatic etiquette. We have, from time to time, seen comments on our domestic issues,” the minister added. Also read: India likely to invite Indonesian president as Republic Day chief guest Stressing India’s openness to partnerships, Jaishankar described India as an adaptable civilisation, one that welcomes ties with various nations. “India is today positioning itself as a Vishwamitra. We seek to be friends with as many as possible... If you look deeper, there are cultural and historical factors at work as well, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilisation,” the EAM said. He also listed the benefits seen by India’s QUAD allies—the United States, Japan, and Australia—who, he suggested, had overcome past historical reservations through their alliance with India. “The US, Japan, and Australia have benefitted from the QUAD. They are examples of overcoming the hesitations of history. UAE and Israel are from a region that is being engaged comprehensively at last. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, ours as much as theirs,” he said. Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and interest as crucial in driving these diplomatic shifts over the past decade. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Some friends are complicated’: EAM Jaishankar on India’s evolving global alliances

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