Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 7: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi late Wednesday night on his maiden visit to India since taking office in August 2024. His visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement as he co-chairs the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting alongside external affairs minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on Thursday.

The high-level meeting, being held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty, is expected to focus on deepening bilateral ties and reviewing the progress of key economic and strategic agreements between the two nations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the talks will explore avenues to further strengthen mutual cooperation.

Araghchi is also scheduled to meet president Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan later in the day.

"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," Iran's embassy in New Delhi posted on X. The commission, meant to convene annually, had witnessed a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and domestic priorities in both countries.

Araghchi’s visit comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which several civilians lost their lives. In retaliation, the Indian armed forces launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday, targeting nine high-value terror hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Earlier this week, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei had urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. “The growing tensions and clashes between two major nations, both of which share long-standing ties of friendship with Iran, are a matter of serious concern,” he said.

Araghchi had also unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam attack. “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 & government of India,” he posted on X.

Before arriving in India, Araghchi led a political delegation to Pakistan and held talks with his counterpart Ishaq Dar, underlining Tehran’s diplomatic engagement in the region amid rising tensions.