Did Iran's FM Araghchi Arrive in Delhi Amid Rising India-Pak Tensions?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Araghchi's visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement between Iran and India.
- The meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty.
- Discussions will focus on trade, energy, and regional cooperation.
- Heightened tensions between India and Pakistan overshadow the visit.
- Iran urges both nations to de-escalate conflicts for regional stability.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has landed in New Delhi on Thursday to co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting alongside External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
This visit celebrates the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty and occurs amid rising tensions in South Asia.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its enthusiasm for Araghchi's visit, viewing it as a timely chance to enhance bilateral relations.
"A warm reception for FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi as he reaches New Delhi for the India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting. This presents an opportunity to assess and bolster our cooperation on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty," the MEA shared on X.
The discussions, taking place at Hyderabad House in the capital, will cover a variety of topics including trade, energy, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
This marks Araghchi's inaugural official visit to India since he assumed office in August 2024. Later today, he is expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Although the India-Iran Joint Commission is intended to convene annually, recent postponements have been linked to the Covid pandemic and pressing domestic matters in both nations.
The MEA highlighted that this 20th session of the commission will concentrate on assessing the status of various bilateral economic agreements and identifying ways to fortify strategic cooperation.
Iran's Embassy in New Delhi echoed the MEA’s views, stating the commission will "review and follow up on the current status of the implementation of bilateral economic agreements between the two countries."
Araghchi's visit unfolds against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, following a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 civilian lives, including that of a Nepali national.
In response, India launched a tri-services military operation—codenamed Operation Sindoor—targeting nine significant terrorist centers in Pakistan and PoK.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei expressed deep concern over the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, advocating for restraint.
"The mounting tensions and conflicts between these two major nations, both of which have enduring friendships with Iran, are of serious concern," Baghaei remarked, urging both nations to de-escalate and avert further deterioration.
Foreign Minister Araghchi previously denounced the Pahalgam attack and extended condolences to India.
"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 and government of India," he posted on X.
Before arriving in India, Araghchi visited Pakistan earlier this week, leading a political delegation and engaging in discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.