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International
Iran’s top negotiator Ghalibaf cancels planned India visit for BRICS Parliamentary forum
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 25 Oct 2026, 06:48 AM
👁 21
Iran’s senior diplomat Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called off his scheduled trip to India, citing reasons for not attending the upcoming BRICS Parliamentary forum.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, announced the cancellation of his planned visit to New Delhi, where he was to attend the BRICS Parliamentary Forum scheduled later this month. The decision was communicated to Indian officials early this week, and no detailed explanation was provided beyond a generic reference to “unforeseen circumstances.”
The BRICS Parliamentary Forum, a gathering of legislators from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is expected to discuss coordination on economic and geopolitical issues. Ghalibaf’s presence was anticipated to underscore Iran’s growing engagement with the bloc, especially after Tehran’s recent overtures to strengthen ties with BRICS members.
Indian foreign ministry sources said the cancellation does not affect the overall agenda of the forum, and that alternative arrangements for bilateral talks with Iranian officials will be explored. The move comes amid a period of heightened diplomatic activity in the region, with both countries navigating sanctions and trade challenges.
Analysts note that while the exact cause of the cancellation remains unclear, it may reflect scheduling conflicts or diplomatic sensitivities linked to ongoing negotiations with other partners. The forum will proceed as planned, with other senior Iranian representatives expected to attend.
The BRICS Parliamentary Forum, a gathering of legislators from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is expected to discuss coordination on economic and geopolitical issues. Ghalibaf’s presence was anticipated to underscore Iran’s growing engagement with the bloc, especially after Tehran’s recent overtures to strengthen ties with BRICS members.
Indian foreign ministry sources said the cancellation does not affect the overall agenda of the forum, and that alternative arrangements for bilateral talks with Iranian officials will be explored. The move comes amid a period of heightened diplomatic activity in the region, with both countries navigating sanctions and trade challenges.
Analysts note that while the exact cause of the cancellation remains unclear, it may reflect scheduling conflicts or diplomatic sensitivities linked to ongoing negotiations with other partners. The forum will proceed as planned, with other senior Iranian representatives expected to attend.