Iranian FM arrives in India following Pakistan visit

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday to co-chair the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting, marking a key moment in bilateral ties as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty.

This is Araghchi’s first visit to India since assuming office in August 2024. During his trip, he is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President Droupadi Murmu, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Joint Commission Meeting serves as a platform to review bilateral relations and explore enhanced cooperation across sectors such as energy, trade, connectivity, security, and cultural exchange. Originally intended to be an annual engagement, the meeting had faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting domestic priorities.

Araghchi’s visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a precision military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. As part of the operation, India conducted missile strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting militant infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

India has characterized the operation as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," emphasizing its commitment to combating cross-border terrorism while avoiding civilian and military casualties.