Araghchi in India: Iran Calls for De-escalation, Pushes Regional Peace and Economic Coop.

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has urged both India and Pakistan to show restraint and avoid further escalation, emphasizing the region’s need for peace and stability.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, Araghchi stressed that Tehran supports reducing tensions, especially in light of recent deadly clashes over Kashmir.

“We are seeking to lower tensions in the region, especially to pave the way for greater economic cooperation among neighboring countries,” Araghchi said.

His remarks came amid heightened conflict following India’s launch of "Operation Sindoor," a wave of missile strikes targeting areas in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation sparked retaliatory exchanges across the contested frontier, leaving at least 31 civilians dead and 46 others injured.

Araghchi stated that his trip to India had been planned in advance and was primarily aimed at co-chairing the 20th Iran-India Joint Commission. He said he would also hold discussions with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, on the latest regional developments and ways to enhance bilateral ties.

“This visit is focused on strengthening economic cooperation, which is crucial,” Araghchi said, noting that political consultations on regional and international matters would also take place, especially given the current volatile climate.

Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had vowed a firm response to the Indian strikes, promising retaliation for “every drop of blood” spilled. He warned that New Delhi would “pay the price” for what he described as a “grave mistake.”

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted the importance of Araghchi’s trip to India in a post on X. He said the visit would include the signing of multiple cooperation agreements in the fields of economy, customs, and health.

“Foreign Minister Araghchi and his Indian counterpart @DrSJaishankar will co-chair the Joint Commission and sign several documents aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation,” Baghaei wrote. He noted that the longstanding friendship between the two nations lays a strong foundation for mutual progress.

Baghaei emphasized the importance of Tehran and New Delhi working together to promote “peace, security, and stability across the region and beyond.”

Before arriving in India, Araghchi had paid a one-day visit to Pakistan, where he met with top officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Both sides agreed to strengthen economic and strategic ties to contribute to regional stability.