Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to arrive in New Delhi this week for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14–15, marking a critical moment for regional diplomacy amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. This visit is particularly significant as it precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled departure for a five-nation European tour, which includes a high-profile stop in Abu Dhabi to meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Araghchi’s agenda is expected to focus on securing India’s support within the expanded BRICS framework, specifically seeking a joint statement regarding recent military escalations. However, New Delhi faces a delicate balancing act, as deep-seated divisions between Iran and the UAE—exacerbated by recent missile strikes on the Fujairah oil facility—have previously hindered the group from reaching a unified consensus on regional security.
Beyond multilateral deliberations, the bilateral talks will prioritize urgent economic and maritime concerns. India is seeking assurances regarding the safe passage of its energy and fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing blockades have left 13 Indian vessels and hundreds of seafarers stranded. Simultaneously, Tehran has signaled that its ambitious Chabahar Port project remains on track despite international sanctions and domestic instability, emphasizing its role as a vital corridor for regional connectivity. Araghchi is also expected to brief Indian officials on Iran’s position regarding the latest U.S. peace proposal, which calls for a long-term suspension of its nuclear enrichment program. For India, maintaining a neutral yet proactive stance is essential, as it navigates its strategic partnership with the UAE and its energy dependence on the Persian Gulf, all while positioning itself as a stabilizing influence within the Global South.
