After Pakistan talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi to visit India on May 8

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will visit India on May 8, following his Pakistan visit, which concluded on Tuesday. His visit is significant amid heightened tensions between the two neighbouring countries after the terror attack in Pahalgam, a marquee tourist resort in Jammu and Kashmir. Three days after the attack, on April 25, Iran offered to help restore India-Pakistan relations. Iranian FM Araghchi quoted Persian poet Saadi, saying, “Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time.”

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Araghchi’s visit, stating that he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his one-day visit to India. Before arriving in India, Araghchi met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, discussing regional challenges affecting both countries’ safety and stability. They also reviewed the border security framework between Iran and Pakistan to enhance coordination and cooperation.

During his visit to Pakistan, Araghchi called for restraint from both countries, urging de-escalation and avoidance of increased tensions. The nuclear-armed rivals have traded accusations over the deadly attack in Kashmir, with India accusing Pakistan of involvement and Islamabad denying the allegations. Pakistan claimed to have “credible intelligence” that India is preparing for military action. Araghchi emphasised, “We seek de-escalation and urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid increasing tensions.”

India