EAM Jaishankar, Iranian Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Tensions At BRICS Summit

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.

Their discussions primarily focused on the latest regional developments, particularly the escalating tensions in West Asia.

“Glad to meet FM

of Iran this evening. Our conversation focused on recent regional developments,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X, sharing a photo of the meeting.

India urges de-escalation amid the West Asia conflict

The meeting came amid heightened tensions in the region, including the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and recent US strikes on Iranian targets.

During the talks, India reiterated its stance on the urgent need for de-escalation and emphasized the importance of returning to dialogue and diplomacy to restore regional peace and stability.

Jaishankar also expressed concern over the broader implications of instability in West Asia on global security and energy markets.

Ongoing diplomatic engagements

In late June, Jaishankar had spoken with FM Araghchi to review the evolving situation following the Iran-Israel hostilities.

He thanked the Iranian government for its cooperation in facilitating the safe evacuation of Indian nationals stranded in Iran during the crisis.

India and Iran share a long-standing civilizational relationship, strengthened by high-level exchanges and growing cooperation across sectors. Diplomatic ties were formally established with the signing of a friendship treaty on March 15, 1950.

The partnership was significantly elevated through the Tehran Declaration in 2001 and the New Delhi Declaration in 2003.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2016 visit to Tehran further bolstered relations, with the signing of 12 MoUs and the landmark India-Iran-Afghanistan Trilateral Agreement on trade and transit.

Recent high-level exchanges

In February 2018, former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited India, further strengthening connectivity and cooperation.

Most recently, PM Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024—marking their first interaction since Pezeshkian assumed office in July 2024.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also visited Iran in 2024 to offer condolences following the tragic deaths of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other senior officials.

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