Iran FM Araghchi to visit India May 7-8 for talks with EAM Jaishankar

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi to Visit India Amid Bilateral and Regional Tensions; Trade and Terror Talks on Agenda

Along with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will co-chair the long-delayed India-Iran Joint Commission meeting in New Delhi from May 7 to 8. Araghchi will be making his first formal trip to India after assuming the role of Foreign Minister of Iran in August 2024. His prearranged visit now occurs against the backdrop of increased tensions between India and Pakistan after the terror assault in Pahalgam on April 22.

According to diplomatic sources, Araghchi and Jaishankar are expected to hold comprehensive talks covering trade, economic cooperation, and infrastructure development, including the Chabahar Port project. However, the Pahalgam terror attack and the recent regional flare-ups are also expected to figure prominently during the talks.

Mediation Offer Sparks Diplomatic Interest

Araghchi recently made a statement that attracted attention in New Delhi: Iran is willing to intervene between India and Pakistan in order to reduce tensions. Although India has not formally accepted the invitation, the visit’s timing has raised concerns about Iran’s potential for more extensive regional involvement. Araghchi had earlier reached out to his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, calling both India and Pakistan “brotherly neighbours” and expressing Iran’s readiness to help forge “greater understanding.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had also spoken with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week to condemn the Pahalgam attack and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation against terrorism. The Indian public’s ire was reportedly expressed by Modi, who also restated the nation’s resolve to take strong action against the offenders.

A Bilateral Platform Resurrected

When EAM Jaishankar visited Tehran in December 2019, the Joint Commission between Iran and India held its most recent meeting. Changes in domestic interests and the COVID-19 epidemic have disrupted annual meetings. Discussions on important topics, particularly humanitarian ones like the well-being of fishermen and marine workers, will be reset and revived during the next session.

Nuclear Talks Update Likely

In addition to regional and bilateral issues, Iran is expected to brief Indian officials on its ongoing nuclear dialogue with the US and European powers. Araghchi’s visit comes just after Iran is scheduled to meet with British, French, and German officials on May 2 to discuss the framework of a nuclear deal, and to negotiate with American diplomats in Rome on May 3.

Araghchi’s visit is being keenly observed as a major diplomatic event that could impact India’s regional calculations and its engagement with Iran on commerce, security, and connectivity, given the shifting circumstances in West Asia and South Asia.