4 min readNew DelhiMay 2, 2025 09:05 AM IST
First published on: May 1, 2025 at 04:21 PM IST
Days after he conveyed his intention to mediate between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in New Delhi next week, it is learnt.
Sources said the likely date of Araghchi’s arrival is May 8, but an official announcement is yet to be made in the backdrop of fast-paced developments taking place between India and Pakistan over the terror attack in which 26 people were killed.
Sources in the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said Araghchi is expected to hold detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar “on all aspects of the Pahalgam attack, besides other issues of bilateral, regional and global importance”.
On April 25, three days after the terror attack, Araghchi posted on X, “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbours of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties. Like other neighbors, we consider them our foremost priority.” He said Tehran was ready to “use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time”. The Iranian minister also dialed Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and discussed the situation.
Araghchi’s visit, if it happens, will take place at a crucial juncture of Iran-US talks. The fourth round of talks between Iran and the US is scheduled in Rome on Saturday, a day after Tehran holds discussions with E3 countries — France, Britain and Germany — on Friday.
Four days after the Pahalgam attack, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strongly condemned the terror attack, as per the Ministry of External Affairs.
ExplainedTrade boost to ties
Trade is an important aspect of India-Iran relations, with New Delhi ranking among Tehran’s top five trading partners in recent years. In October last year, PM Modi and President Pezeshkian held a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan, with both leaders discussing the importance of peace in West Asia. Pezeshkian highlighted India’s potential role in de-escalating conflict in the region due to its good relations with all involved parties.
“Both leaders agreed that there could be no justification for such acts of terror and all those who believe in humanity must stand together in the fight against terrorism,” the MEA said in a post on X. PM Modi also shared “the anger and anguish of the people of India and their resolve to deal with those behind the terror attack and their supporters, firmly and decisively”.
According to the Iranian Embassy, Pezeshkian, in his conversation with PM Modi, also underlined the importance of regional collaboration to eliminate terrorism and called the attack an “inhumane act” that must be countered collectively.
Pezeshkian also invited PM Modi to Tehran, noting that Iran is keen to discuss ways to strengthen comprehensive collaboration with India in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.
During the conversation, the Iranian President described Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru as “messengers of peace, friendship, and coexistence”, according to a statement released by the Iranian embassy.
Besides meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Abbas Araghchi may also call on other senior leaders in New Delhi. (Photo: X/@araghchi) 
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