Araghchi in India: Iran Urges De-escalation, Calls for Regional Peace

In New Delhi on Thursday, Araghchi addressed reporters, commenting on escalating tensions following a deadly attack in Kashmir.

He stated that there is a pursuit of reduced tensions in the region, with a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation among the countries involved.

The leading diplomat indicated that he is set to engage in discussions with his Indian counterpart regarding the most recent developments in the region.

India and Pakistan were involved in intense artillery exchanges along their disputed border on Wednesday morning. The confrontation came in the wake of India’s initiation of “Operation Sindoor,” which involved a series of missile strikes directed at locations within Pakistan and the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir.

At least 31 civilians lost their lives, and 46 others sustained injuries following Indian airstrikes and subsequent border shelling in Pakistan and areas administered by Pakistan in Kashmir.

Araghchi stated that his trip to New Delhi is intended for participation in the joint economic commission between the two nations.

The Iranian foreign minister stated that the trip had been long planned and was on schedule for the commission to take place.

He highlighted that the parties involved would examine bilateral economic cooperation, underscoring its significant importance.

Araghchi stated that there have consistently been political consultations with India concerning both regional and international matters.

He underscored the significance of maintaining close consultations between the two nations, especially given the delicate situation in the region.

In a televised address on Wednesday evening, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly denounced India’s lethal offensives, asserting that Islamabad will respond to “every drop of blood” spilled during these assaults.

Sharif issued a strong warning to New Delhi, stating that it will “pay the price” for what he described as a “grave mistake.” He further vowed, “We pledge to avenge each drop of blood of these martyrs.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that Iran and India are poised to sign a series of bilateral documents aimed at enhancing their cooperation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, announced that during Araghchi’s official visit, Iran and India are set to finalize agreements for collaboration across multiple sectors.

In a statement posted on his X account Thursday, Baghaei announced that during the foreign minister’s visit, both parties plan to assess the mutual relationship and engage in consultations regarding regional and international developments.

FM Araghchi, alongside his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar, is set to co-chair the 20th Iran-India Joint Commission. During the session, both nations will sign a series of bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in the sectors of economy, customs, and health, according to a statement from the Iranian spokesperson.

He highlighted that the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations are deeply anchored in history, laying a strong foundation for mutually advantageous relations.

Baghaei called on both Tehran and New Delhi to collaborate in efforts to enhance peace, security, and stability across their respective regions and beyond.

Araghchi traveled to India after completing a one-day visit to Pakistan, where he held talks with top officials.

The Iranian Foreign Minister and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, have reached an accord to establish a robust foundation for “economic and strategic” collaboration within the region.