Will Iran's FM Araghchi Enhance Ties with India in New Delhi?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Iran's FM arrives in India for crucial talks.
- 20th Joint Commission Meeting aims to strengthen ties.
- Focus on bilateral economic agreements and mutual interests.
- Iran expresses concern over India-Pakistan tensions.
- Araghchi condemns recent terrorist attacks in India.
Tehran, May 7 (NationPress) - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is set to arrive in New Delhi late Wednesday night, marking his inaugural visit to India since taking office in August 2024. During his trip, he will co-chair the 20th Joint Commission Meeting between India and Iran alongside External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House on Thursday afternoon.
Later that day, he is expected to meet with President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Joint Commission Meeting commemorates the 75th anniversary of the signing of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty and aims to assess areas of mutual concern and explore avenues for strengthening bilateral ties, as outlined by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Although this Joint Commission typically meets annually, recent gatherings have been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and various domestic issues faced by both nations.
The status of the implementation of bilateral economic agreements will also be reviewed during this meeting, as stated by Iran's Embassy in New Delhi via X.
Araghchi's visit is significant, especially in the context of rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In response, the Indian armed forces initiated 'Operation Sindoor' targeting nine high-value terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has expressed grave concerns over the escalating conflict, calling for both nations to exercise restraint.
Baghaei emphasized that the increasing hostilities between these two significant partners of Iran are troubling and expressed hope for a resolution to prevent further deterioration.
In a show of solidarity, Araghchi condemned the Pahalgam attack, extending condolences to the Indian people and government.
"Iran strongly and unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the innocent victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people and government of India," he posted on X.
Earlier this week, Araghchi led a political delegation to Pakistan, engaging in discussions with his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar.