Iran Foreign Minister in India after Pak visit: What’s on the agenda?

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has arrived in India on a two-day visit to New Delhi to co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed in an official statement. This marks Araghchi’s first visit to India since assuming office as Iran’s

Foreign Minister in August 2024.

The Joint Commission Meeting, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty, will review key issues of mutual interest and chart the way forward to bolster bilateral relations. The agenda will include discussions on trade, energy cooperation, regional connectivity — notably progress on the Chabahar Port project — and security partnerships.

The Joint Commission, established to provide a structured mechanism for bilateral cooperation, is poised to give fresh momentum to India-Iran ties, particularly in the areas of energy security and connectivity that are critical for both nations’ strategic interests. Araghchi’s engagements are likely to set a constructive tone for deepening economic and geopolitical collaboration in the coming years.

During his visit, Araghchi is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These high-level engagements underline the significance both nations attach to their historical and civilisational ties. Araghchi’s India visit comes immediately after his diplomatic stop in Islamabad, where he held talks with senior Pakistani officials. His regional outreach takes place amid heightened tensions in the Indian Subcontinent following India's retaliation to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack.

The terror attack on 22 April in Jammu and Kashmir had claimed the lives of 26 tourists. On 25 April, Araghchi had issued a call for peace in the neighbourhood via a post on social media platform X, underscoring Iran’s interest in promoting regional stability. His meetings in New Delhi are expected to reinforce both countries’ shared commitment to peace, security, and mutual prosperity in a complex geopolitical environment.

( Inputs from ANI )