IRIA News

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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi undertook a critical diplomatic mission to India and Pakistan. His trip comes as Tehran aims to support de-escalation efforts between the two nuclear-armed states.

Foreign Minister Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on May 8, 2025, to co-chair the 20th Iran-India Joint Commission meeting, an event symbolically aligned with the 75th anniversary of the signing of the India-Iran Friendship Treaty. His visit comes at a particularly volatile time in South Asia, as India reels from the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with Araghchi and used the opportunity to contextualize India’s military response to the attack. Jaishankar stated that India carried out a “targeted military action on May 7,” emphasizing that, “while India seeks no escalation, any future aggression from Pakistan will be met with a firm response.”

The Indian side reportedly briefed Araghchi on the security challenges it faces from across the border and pressed upon Tehran the need to comprehend New Delhi’s position. “The importance of Iran understanding India’s stance on the situation” was underscored by Jaishankar, reflecting the deeper diplomatic messaging behind Araghchi’s visit.

Despite the high security context, the primary focus of the Joint Commission remained bilateral cooperation. Araghchi noted the depth of the historical ties between the two nations, stating: “Tehran and New Delhi have always maintained warm and friendly relations rooted in mutual respect and common interests.” However, he acknowledged economic challenges, particularly those arising from sanctions: “Sanctions hinder the growth of Iran-India economic relations.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, Dr. Abbas Araghchi called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Welcoming Dr. Araghchi, the President noted that while civilisational and cultural ties between India and Iran go back thousands of years, this visit is taking place… pic.twitter.com/NyYFP65Uec

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 8, 2025

He expressed optimism about overcoming these barriers, stating that the current level of economic cooperation “does not meet expectations” and expressed hope for future resolutions.

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi echoed this sentiment, noting that the Joint Commission meeting would “review and follow up” on the implementation of various bilateral economic agreements. The Iranian delegation was also welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, further underscoring the significance New Delhi attached to Araghchi’s visit.

Iran’s position on the terrorist attack was unequivocal. In a statement issued during the visit, Tehran condemned the incident, saying: “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.”

Islamabad visit

Before landing in India, Araghchi visited Pakistan, where he led a high-level political delegation. His goal was to urge restraint and explore diplomatic avenues for reducing tensions with India following the Kashmir incident.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Tehran’s mediation efforts. Dar emphasized Pakistan’s desire to avoid conflict, stating, “We will not be the first to take any escalatory step.” However, he issued a stern warning that “any act of aggression by India would be met with a resolute defense of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Pakistan has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, offering to cooperate in an international investigation. “It is clear there is no truth to the Indian claim,” said Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

Iran’s stance remains diplomatically balanced. While it has condemned the attack in India, Tehran has also called on both countries to de-escalate. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Iran views the current standoff “with serious concern” and urged both nations to “take steps to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.”

Meanwhile, both Pakistan and India remain on high alert after India conducted attacks on several locations in Pakistan, and Islamabad vowed to retaliate.

Volatile region

The crisis has reignited deep-rooted hostilities between India and Pakistan, two countries that have fought three wars, two of them over Kashmir. This time, the stakes are further complicated by domestic politics, regional alliances, and the shadow of great power competition.

Araghchi’s back-to-back visits reflect Iran’s interest in ensuring that regional instability, especially involving two of its key Asian partners, does not spiral into open conflict. Tehran’s desire to expand its economic and strategic cooperation with both India and Pakistan makes neutrality essential.

However, balancing its positions may prove increasingly difficult as India seeks stronger global support, while Pakistan attempts to shift the narrative by accusing India of warmongering and unilateral aggression.

Araghchi’s comments in New Delhi suggest Tehran is cautious but sympathetic toward India’s security concerns. His direct condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, coupled with a call for de-escalation, signals that Iran is trying to walk a delicate tightrope.

Diplomatic tightrope

Araghchi’s dual visits are a rare moment of high-profile mediation in South Asia, where third-party involvement is often viewed with skepticism. Whether Tehran’s initiative can yield any meaningful de-escalation remains uncertain.

What is clear, however, is that Iran sees value in stabilizing South Asia, not just for diplomatic optics, but for ensuring the continuity of its own regional partnerships. With the revival of the Joint Commission and promises of stronger economic cooperation, Tehran and New Delhi are signaling continuity. But with missile tests, airspace violations, and accusations, as well as missiles and drones, still flying across the LOC, peace remains precarious.