Iran speaker cancels India visit for BRICS parliamentary summit

Tehran: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has cancelled his planned visit to India for the BRICS parliamentary summit, just two days before the high-level meeting in New Delhi. The Iranian Embassy announced the withdrawal on Saturday, citing unforeseen circumstances without providing further details, according to Hindustan Times.

The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is scheduled to take place on October 26 and 27 at Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. Although Ghalibaf will not attend, an Iranian parliamentary delegation will participate in the gathering, the embassy confirmed.

Ghalibaf’s planned visit had drawn diplomatic attention amid the US-Iran conflict and discussions surrounding the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. However, the embassy has not indicated whether these developments are connected to his decision to withdraw.

Iran reiterated its commitment to active participation in BRICS engagements, saying its delegation would hold discussions with representatives of other member countries to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Tehran also expressed appreciation for the Indian government’s arrangements and hospitality.

The summit, held under India’s chairmanship, will bring together parliamentary speakers and senior representatives from BRICS member countries. Key issues on the agenda include reforming global governance institutions, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable development and parliamentary cooperation.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had earlier announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the summit and meet leaders of visiting foreign delegations.

Ghalibaf’s last-minute withdrawal leaves the Iranian parliamentary delegation to represent Tehran at the gathering, while the reason for his absence remains undisclosed.