Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will start his first visit to New Delhi tonight. On Thursday, he will meet his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and the two of them shall co-chair the 20th Joint Commission meeting between India and Iran.
75th Anniversary of India-Iran Friendship Treaty
This year’s summit arrives on the occasion when New Delhi and Tehran are marking the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty. In the bilateral session, both countries will discuss the full range of relations, examining new avenues and reinforcing existing bonds.
Although the Joint Commission is meant to meet annually, there has been a lapse in its meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and domestic concerns of the two nations. “The latest status of the implementation of bilateral economic agreements between the two countries will be reviewed and followed up in the course of the commission’s work,” Iran’s Embassy in New Delhi posted on X.
Post-bilateral talks, the Iranian foreign minister will also meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Visit Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions
The visit by Mr Araghchi follows increased tension between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam where 26 civilians were martyred by Pakistani terror links operatives. India retaliated with precise missile strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Iran has condemned the religiously-motivated terror strike in Kashmir by Pakistan-related terrorists. In a statement released by the foreign minister himself, Tehran stated “Iran strongly and unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people & government of India.”
Tehran Calls for Restraint
Iran also reacted to growing Indian-Pakistani military tensions, calling for restraint from both nations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei explained that Tehran had maintained long-time relations with Islamabad and New Delhi and regards the current situation very seriously.
He hoped that the two countries would act to keep the situation from getting worse.
Earlier this week, Mr Araghchi had visited Pakistan, heading a political mission and holding meetings with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.
