Iran’s foreign minister likely to visit India
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is likely to visit India to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for May 14-15, where the situation in West Asia is expected to dominate discussions.
Tehran has reportedly conveyed to New Delhi that Araghchi’s visit remains on the agenda for now. However, diplomatic sources indicated that his attendance may still depend on the stability of the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, as any fresh military escalation could alter the situation.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has already confirmed his participation in the meeting. However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to skip it due to his expected involvement in the crucial Donald Trump-Xi Jinping summit, the dates of which are understood to be clashing with the BRICS schedule.
Iran’s participation assumes significance as Tehran continues to examine a 14-point US peace proposal that seeks suspension of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme for at least 12 years in return for a phased lifting of American sanctions.
Iran, which became a member of BRICS in 2024 along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has attached considerable importance to the grouping. Both Araghchi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have urged India to work towards building consensus within BRICS for a joint statement condemning US-Israel actions in the ongoing West Asia conflict.
India, however, has maintained that deep divisions among member nations — particularly between Iran and the UAE — have prevented the grouping from arriving at a consensus document. This was evident during last month’s meeting of BRICS special envoys, which concluded only with a Chair’s Statement instead of a joint declaration.
Government sources had then indicated that efforts by India and other member states to bridge differences between the two sides did not succeed.
For New Delhi, ties with the UAE remain a strategic priority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to make a brief stop in Abu Dhabi on May 15 for talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan while en route to Europe.
Araghchi’s possible visit is also expected to provide India an opportunity to engage comprehensively with Tehran on immediate concerns, including disruptions in LPG supplies arising from tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
India has so far preferred diplomatic engagement with Iran and has refrained from considering participation in any military coalition aimed at securing maritime movement through the strategically vital Hormuz Strait.
