WANA (May 08) – During his meeting on Thursday with his Iranian counterpart Araghchi in New Delhi, the Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar highlighted the deep friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and went on to address India’s military strikes on Pakistan, stating that his country has no intention of escalating the situation.

 

Welcoming the Iranian delegation, Jaishankar said, “Our cooperation in recent years has progressed across many areas, though some issues still require attention.”

 

He noted the recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan in 2024, as well as their follow-up phone call on April 26, which provided direction for advancing bilateral relations.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi meeting on May 08, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, Jaishankar said, “This milestone is a testament to our close cooperation and enduring friendship. I am confident we can further build on this foundation.”

 

India’s Response to Kashmir Terror Attack

Addressing recent military tensions with Pakistan, Jaishankar informed the Iranian delegation of the context behind India’s May 7 cross-border strikes. “You have arrived at a time when India is responding to a brutal terrorist attack that occurred in Kashmir on April 22,” he stated.

 

“Our retaliation—targeting cross-border terrorist infrastructure—was precise and deliberate. We do not seek to escalate the situation, but if we are attacked again, there should be no doubt that our response will be extremely firm.”

 

He emphasized the importance of Iran, as a neighboring and close partner, understanding the current security context in South Asia.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi meeting on May 08, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iran Seeks Stronger Economic Ties

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi thanked Jaishankar for the briefing and echoed the value of bilateral relations. “As you said, our countries share a long-standing historical relationship, rooted in mutual respect and common interests,” he said.

 

“We enjoy warm and friendly ties that have continued for decades. Our economic cooperation is positive, though not at the level we hope for—largely due to sanctions. We are hopeful that this challenge can be overcome in the future.”

 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and implement agreements in the fields of economy, trade, and transportation.

 

The two foreign ministers also emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation through multilateral diplomacy and regional and international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as pursuing trilateral or quadrilateral collaborations with other countries in the region on issues of mutual interest.

 

They also exchanged views on the latest security and political developments in South Asia and West Asia, stressing the need for cooperation and joint efforts to reduce tensions, safeguard peace and stability, and prevent the spread of conflicts and disputes.

 

Following the meeting of the Iran-India Joint Commission, two cooperation documents between Iran and India in the fields of customs cooperation and food and drug health were signed by the deputy ministers of the relevant ministries.

 

Additionally, the foreign ministers of the two countries signed the minutes of the 20th Joint Commission meeting. The last meeting of the Iran-India Joint Commission was held in 2019 in Tehran.