External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday, 15 May held a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi, with the two sides reviewing the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia and its broader global implications. The talks also covered bilateral matters of mutual interest, marking a significant diplomatic moment as the meeting came amid an active conflict involving Iran.

What Was Discussed

The conversation covered the deteriorating security environment in West Asia, including risks to maritime routes and energy infrastructure. Jaishankar also formally welcomed Araghchi's participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, being hosted in New Delhi under India's 2026 BRICS chairship.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar said he had a 'detailed conversation' with the Iranian FM, adding that they 'discussed the situation in West Asia and its implications' and 'exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest.'

Modi Also Received Araghchi

A day earlier, on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met the Iranian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting — underscoring the high-level priority India is according to diplomatic engagement with Tehran at this juncture. The bilateral meetings collectively mark the first such high-level diplomatic engagement involving India since the Iran war began.

Jaishankar's Statement at BRICS

Delivering India's national statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Thursday, Jaishankar flagged the fragile security environment in West Asia as a matter of global concern. 'The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation,' he said.

He specifically called for safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, describing them as 'vital for global economic well-being.' Jaishankar also reaffirmed India's 'strong commitment' to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, stating that 'dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts.'

Iran's Position at BRICS

Araghchi used his address at the BRICS meeting to urge the global community to condemn what he described as 'violations of international law' by the United States and Israel, and to act against 'warmongering.' He alleged that Iran has been subjected to 'brutal and unlawful aggression' by the two countries.

'The attacks on my people have been justified with false claims that run counter to the informed assessments of the International Atomic Energy Agency and even America's own intelligence community,' Araghchi stated, adding that Iran is 'the victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering.'

Energy Markets and the Strait of Hormuz

The escalating conflict has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with oil and gas prices surging after Iran reportedly blocked the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that carries nearly 20% of the world's oil and LNG supplies. Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit, marking Tehran's first high-level diplomatic outreach since the conflict began.

With India holding the BRICS chair and maintaining historically calibrated ties with both Iran and Western nations, New Delhi's diplomatic positioning in the weeks ahead will be closely watched.