Iran Urges Restraint amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Iran is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and avoid further escalation after deadly clashes in Kashmir, Araqchi on Thursday upon arriving in New Delhi for official talks.

“We seek a reduction of tension in the region, particularly for the expansion of economic cooperation among regional countries,” Araqchi told reporters.

He said the ongoing situation would be a topic of discussion in his meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Tensions have risen between the two nuclear-armed countries since a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, which India blamed on Pakistan. Pakistan has denied all involvement.

Conflicts increased after India launched "Operation Sindoor," a missile campaign against Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

At least 31 civilians were killed and 46 injured in the Indian airstrikes and subsequent artillery exchanges in Pakistan and Pakistan-run Kashmir.

Araqchi’s trip to India also marks the 20th Iran-India Joint Commission, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

“This trip has been planned for a long time, and it was scheduled that this commission would take place,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of economic ties and the need for continued political consultation.

"At the same time, we have always had political consultations with India on regional and international issues,” Araqchi said.

He stressed the need for close communication given the current sensitive regional environment.

On Wednesday night, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the Indian strikes in a televised address.

“We make this pledge, that we will avenge each drop of the blood of these martyrs,” Sharif declared, warning India would "pay the price" for what he called a "grave mistake."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed that bilateral cooperation documents would be signed during Araqchi’s visit.

In a post on X, Baqaei said Araqchi and Jaishankar would co-chair the commission and oversee agreements in fields such as economy, customs, and health.

“FM Araqchi and his Indian counterpart @DrSJaishankar will co-chair the 20th Iran-India Joint Commission (JCM) & sign a number of bilateral documents to enhance cooperation on areas of economy, customs and health,” the Iranian spokesperson wrote.

He noted that bonds of friendship between the two countries are deeply rooted in history and provide a solid ground for mutually beneficial relations.

He also called on both sides of the Kashmir dispute to contribute to “peace, security and stability across the regions and beyond.”

Before arriving in India, Araqchi visited Pakistan for a one-day trip where he held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Both sides agreed to build a strong foundation for regional economic and strategic cooperation.