Iran's Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, will not attend the upcoming BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on October 26 and 27. This decision follows a dispute over India's refusal to allow Iran Air to transport medicines directly from India to Tehran due to concerns about U. S. sanctions.
India has suggested that Iran could receive medical shipments through third countries such as Armenia to avoid potential sanctions on Indian airports and air operators. However, Iranian officials argue that humanitarian aid, including medicines, should not be subject to international sanctions and urge India to prioritize a direct air route for such assistance.
The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi announced Ghalibaf's absence, citing unforeseen circumstances, but confirmed that an Iranian parliamentary delegation would still participate in the event. The embassy emphasized Iran's commitment to active participation in BRICS meetings.
The issue surfaced on October 19 when Iran Air's managing director, Taher Abdolhay, disclosed that the airline was unable to secure permission to fly medicines from India and Singapore. Despite this, Indian officials maintain that Ghalibaf's decision to skip the forum is unrelated to the logistical challenges of supplying medicines to Iran.
Indian pharmaceutical companies have been sending medicines to Iran through countries like Oman and Armenia. An official explained that during conflicts, medicines were flown to Armenia and then transported by truck to Iran.
Iranian officials, however, express concerns about the viability of indirect routes. They note that temperature-sensitive medications have been compromised during long transits and multiple cargo transfers. An Iranian official, speaking anonymously, stressed the efficiency of the direct Delhi-Tehran air route, which takes only three hours, compared to the 24 to 48 hours required for indirect routes.
The Iranian official highlighted the historical significance of the Delhi-Tehran air connection and the need for India to recognize medicines as part of humanitarian assistance. He also pointed out resistance from some Indian corporate players who are wary of doing business with Iran due to U. S. and EU sanctions.
Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, during his recent visit to India for the BRICS summit, had asserted that Iran would not be intimidated by the United States. The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of international sanctions and their impact on humanitarian efforts between BRICS member countries.
