Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday night, marking his first visit to India since assuming office in August 2024. During the visit, he will co-chair the 20th Joint Commission Meeting between India and Iran with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on Thursday afternoon.
Later in the day, the Iranian foreign minister will call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Joint Commission Meeting, being held on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty, will review issues of mutual interest and explore ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
While the Joint Commission is scheduled to meet annually, its sessions were delayed in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and domestic preoccupations in both countries.
“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,” the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi posted on X.
Araghchi’s visit comes amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the heinous April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting nine high-value terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed serious concern over the rising conflict between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to exercise restraint.
Baghaei noted that the growing tensions and clashes between two major countries—both of which share long-standing friendly relations with Iran—are a matter of grave concern. He expressed hope that both sides would take meaningful steps toward de-escalation and prevent the situation from worsening.
Araghchi also strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and extended condolences to the Indian people and government.
“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 said in a post on X.
IANS