Finance
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on Friday. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in West Asia and its broader consequences, as well as bilateral issues of mutual concern.
EAM Jaishankar also hailed Araghchi’s participation in the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which will be held in New Delhi in 2026 under India’s chairmanship.
Following the meeting, EAM posted on X : “Had a detailed conversation with FM Abbas Araghchi of Iran this morning in Delhi. Discussed the situation in West Asia and its implications. Also exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest. Appreciate his participation in BRICS India 2026.”
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.
The encounter was the first high-level diplomatic engagement between India and Iran since the war began.
Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar underscored the unstable security environment in West Asia on Thursday, adding that the region’s continuous tensions, as well as threats to maritime routes and energy infrastructure, continue to be a source of concern around the world.
Delivering the national statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairship, the EAM said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation. Safe and unimpeded maritime flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, remain vital for global economic well-being.”
He also reaffirmed India’s “strong commitment” to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
“Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain the foundation of international relations. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable means of resolving conflicts,” the EAM said.
In his address at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Thursday, Araghchi urged the global community to condemn “violations of international law” by the United States and Israel and take action against “warmongering”, thereby bringing an end to the impunity of those who violate the UN Charter.
He stated that Iran has been subjected to “brutal and unlawful aggression” by the US and Israel.
“The attacks on my people have been justified with false claims that run counter to the informed assessments of the International Atomic Energy Agency and even America’s own intelligence community. The truth is that Iran — like many other independent nations — is the victim of illegal expansionism and warmongering. These are ugly things which have no place in today’s world,” the Iranian Foreign Minister stated.
Araghchi landed in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit, marking Tehran’s first high-level diplomatic outreach since the West Asian conflict began.
The escalating tensions in West Asia have also jolted global energy markets, with oil and gas prices rising after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping corridor between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that transports nearly 20% of the world’s oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) supplies.
Source: IANS
