At the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Iran across multiple sectors, while addressing pressing regional developments including Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Welcoming Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar noted the momentum gained in bilateral relations and referenced the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan (October 2024) as well as their phone conversation on April 26, which helped chart the path for future collaboration.
“In recent years, our cooperation has progressed in many aspects,” Jaishankar said. “This is also the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic ties, a reminder of the depth of our friendship and shared history.”
The Indian minister also addressed the regional security environment, particularly India’s precise military action under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK).
“Our response was measured and targeted,” Jaishankar explained. “It is not our intention to escalate, but if there are military attacks on us, our response will be very, very firm.”
Foreign Minister Araghchi echoed the importance of strong bilateral ties, calling India-Iran relations “warm and friendly, based on mutual respect and interest.” While acknowledging that economic cooperation had been hindered by sanctions, he expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges and enhancing ties in trade, customs, and healthcare.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also emphasized on social media the importance of working together to strengthen peace, security, and stability in the region. The visit included the signing of bilateral documents to deepen cooperation in key sectors.
The Joint Commission meeting, held as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic engagement, underscored the enduring historical and strategic bond between New Delhi and Tehran, even amid complex regional dynamics.