Iranian Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi for a three-day official visit, marking Tehran's first high-level diplomatic engagement with India since the conflict in the Middle East intensified more than two months ago.
Araghchi is visiting India primarily to attend a two-day meeting of BRICS Foreign ministers, but the trip also includes bilateral discussions with External Affairs minister S Jaishankar amid growing regional tensions.
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"A very warm welcome to the foreign minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on his arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
A very warm welcome to Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, @araghchi on his arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.#BRICS2026 #BRICSIndia2026 #IndiaBRICSChairship pic.twitter.com/6Rtis00A2C
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 13, 2026
'Minab168' draws attention
The Iranian minister arrived on an aircraft named "Minab168", a reference linked to the deaths of 168 girls killed in a missile strike at a school in Iran's Minab city when the conflict began.
The symbolic naming drew attention as the visit unfolded against the backdrop of continuing tensions in West Asia.
Dr. Araghchi is traveling to India to participate in the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting.#Minab168 pic.twitter.com/HHiTBYXuQT
— Iran In Hyderabad (@IraninHyderabad) May 13, 2026
Hormuz issue likely to dominate discussions
One of the key issues expected to feature in Araghchi's discussions with Jaishankar is the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass during normal times.
According to reports cited by NDTV, India is expected to raise concerns regarding the movement and safety of merchant ships using the route.
Araghchi and other BRICS foreign ministers are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit, per an NDTV report.
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Iran highlights BRICS role
Iranian Deputy Foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran sees BRICS as an important platform for broader international cooperation.
"The BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi can be an important opportunity for dialogue on the future of Global South cooperation, reforming international economic governance, developing independent trade, strengthening financial and banking ties, and reducing countries' dependence on discriminatory and unilateral mechanisms," he said in a post on X.
The BRICS meeting is also expected to discuss the broader impact of the Middle East crisis on global energy supply chains and international economic stability.
