Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf to give Delhi BRICS summit a miss as fears of renewed war grow
The Iranian embassy in New Delhi said Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf would not be able to attend the summit due to "unforeseen circumstances"
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf has cancelled his attendance at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi due to unforeseen circumstances, though an alternative Iranian delegation will still participate in the proceedings alongside other member nations.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf has cancelled his attendance at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi due to unforeseen circumstances, though an alternative Iranian delegation will still participate in the proceedings alongside other member nations.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf has cancelled his attendance at the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi due to unforeseen circumstances, though an alternative Iranian delegation will still participate in the proceedings alongside other member nations.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Ghalibaf will not attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled to take place at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi on October 26 and 27.
The Iranian embassy in New Delhi said Ghalibaf would not be able to attend the summit due to "unforeseen circumstances". However, the embassy confirmed that an Iranian parliamentary delegation would participate in the proceedings.
Ghalibaf's decision comes amid growing fears that the war in Iran could resume after the US midterm elections on November 3. Israel legislative elections are also scheduled for October 27, which will coincide with the BRICS meet in New Delhi.
The embassy reiterated Iran’s commitment to active participation in BRICS summits and meetings, emphasising the country’s continued engagement with the grouping as a member.
"As one of the members of BRICS, Iran reaffirms its commitment to active and effective participation at the highest levels in the summits and meetings of this grouping," the embassy said in a statement.
The Iranian delegation is expected to hold dialogue and consultations with representatives of other BRICS member countries, focusing on expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly in parliamentary relations.
The embassy also expressed its appreciation to the Indian government for its hospitality and arrangements for hosting the meeting.
Wishing the parliamentary forum a success, the embassy expressed hope that the meeting would produce constructive outcomes and strengthen cooperation and engagement among BRICS member countries.
Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia to skip forum
The meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is expected to see participation of PM Narendra Modi. Birla previously revealed that Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia would not be participating in the upcoming parliamentary forum.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been launching strikes on Saudi airports, energy facilities and military sites.
It should be noted that Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud previously attended the main BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi on September 2026.
The September summit saw Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meeting on its sidelines, marking the highest-level direct talk between the two countries.