Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrives in New Delhi for a key visit, marking the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty. His meetings, including a Joint Commission session with India’s S. Jaishankar, will focus on bilateral relations amid rising tensions stemming from recent violence in Kashmir. Iran condemns the attacks and calls for restraint between India and Pakistan.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, is set to arrive in New Delhi tonight for his first official visit. Scheduled for Thursday, he will meet with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to co-chair the 20th Joint Commission meeting between the two countries. This meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty, intended to explore and enhance bilateral relations.
Despite the Joint Commission’s annual schedule, recent years have seen interruptions, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various domestic issues in both countries. The Embassy of Iran in New Delhi noted that, during the commission’s discussions, key economic agreements between the two nations would be reviewed and potentially advanced. This dedication to collaborative discussions highlights ongoing efforts to reinforce economic ties.
Following the Joint Commission meeting, Minister Araghchi will visit Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet with President Droupadi Murmu. His visit comes at a particularly tense time due to increased hostilities between India and Pakistan. Recent violence in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the tragic loss of 26 civilian lives, with alleged ties to Pakistan.
India’s response included targeted missile strikes against militant camps in Pakistan and regions of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Amidst this escalating situation, Iran has condemned the Pahalgam attacks, with Araghchi stating, “Iran strongly and unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack against tourists in Pahalgam.” He extended condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized solidarity with the Indian people.
Iran has also voiced concerns regarding the growing military tensions between India and Pakistan, calling on both nations to exercise restraint. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed Iran’s historic relationships with both nations, stating that they view the current developments with serious concern and hope for de-escalation.
Earlier this week, Araghchi was in Pakistan, where he led a political delegation and held talks with Pakistani counterparts, including Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. This diplomatic visit to New Delhi will further Iran’s role as a mediator during these tense times in the region.
In summary, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s visit to New Delhi comes at a crucial juncture marked by heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. The 20th Joint Commission meeting will focus on strengthening economic ties and collaborative efforts. Iran’s condemnation of recent violence in Kashmir and calls for restraint between India and Pakistan underscore the urgent need for diplomatic dialogue.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
