If headline does not follow him; Namo knows how to get it there !! ::: Modi holds Iranian President's hand ... India has kept channels open with Iran and Russia while maintaining ties with US

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

The photograph summed up New Delhi's diplomatic approach: India at the centre, engaging Iran and Russia while keeping space open for dialogue and cooperation in an increasingly fractured world.  

PM Modi's striking show of India’s diplomatic outreach at the BRICS summit

Modi has pressed for dialogue, protection of civilians and commercial shipping  

One Picture ...Multiple messages 

The photograph summed up New Delhi's diplomatic approach: 

New Delhi engaging in positive dimension with Iran and Russia but also  keeping channels open for dialogue, trade and cooperation in an increasingly fractured world.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in jovial mood. That could be anytime; but he was seen holding hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Two key BRICS members -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa were alongside. 

The image stood out because of its timing and the 'communicator' being Narendra Modi.

Iran is now at the centre of a conflict that has disrupted energy supplies and maritime trade and at the same time; Russia remains under sweeping Western sanctions over the Ukraine war.  

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin took a pointed swipe at the Group of Seven (G7), arguing that its economic weight has declined significantly while the BRICS grouping has emerged as an increasingly important force.

Speaking at the BRICS Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Putin contrasted the economic strength of the two groupings and questioned the continuing relevance of the G7 in a rapidly changing global order.

Putin said G7 countries now account for about 18% of global economic output, while BRICS members account for nearly 40%, underscoring what Moscow sees as the growing economic influence of emerging powers.   

India's approach vis-a-vis strategic autonomy was evident in PM Modi’s bilateral meeting with Iranian president Pezeshkian too.

Modi 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.   

The Prime Minister held key bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the two-day BRICS Summit.

During their meeting, PM Modi gifted Putin a Russian translation of the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural. 

The two leaders discussed India-Russia cooperation, with trade, defence and industrial ties among the key areas on the agenda. After Putin, 

The BRICS 2026 Summit will begin on Saturday and will focus on strengthening collective resilience in areas including food, energy, health, disaster management and critical supply chains. 

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.

ends