NEW DELHI: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held crucial talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on Friday amid escalating tensions in West Asia and growing concerns over regional security, maritime trade routes, and global energy supplies.

The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ gathering hosted by India, where the deteriorating security situation in West Asia, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gaza conflict, dominated discussions among member nations.

During the bilateral talks, both leaders reviewed the evolving regional situation and discussed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and uninterrupted maritime navigation through critical international shipping corridors. The Strait of Hormuz remains vital for global oil and LNG supplies, with recent disruptions triggering concerns over energy security and inflation worldwide.

Jaishankar reiterated India’s position favouring dialogue, diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation to address regional conflicts. He also stressed the importance of safe and unimpeded maritime flows for global economic stability during the BRICS discussions in Delhi.

Araghchi’s visit marks one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between India and Iran since the recent escalation in West Asia. The Iranian minister also reportedly briefed Indian leaders on Tehran’s assessment of the regional situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing wider conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting assumes added significance as India continues balancing its strategic ties with Iran, Israel, Gulf nations, and Western partners while safeguarding its energy interests and trade connectivity in the region.