India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is set to visit Iran amid growing concerns in the Middle East. The visit follows recent events, including the US-UK forces' attack on Houthi military positions and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Jaishankar's visit aims to address global worries and engage with Iranian leadership. During the trip, he plans to meet his Iranian counterpart and potentially President Ebrahim Raisi, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Key topics for discussion include the fallout of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Houthi attacks on commercial ships, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. India maintains a clear stance against terrorism, emphasising opposition to the use of terrorism for political objectives.
Additionally, the discussions may cover the North-South Trade Corridor, security in the Caucasus related to the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict, and India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
India, while condemning Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, has deployed warships in the region. The nation has actively engaged with Middle-East powers, including Saudi Arabia, and is a key stakeholder in regional infrastructure projects like the Middle-East Economic Corridor.
Additionally, in a conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, Jaishankar addressed shared concerns over Houthi attacks.
The discussion highlighted the importance of cooperation between India and the United States in defending maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea region. Jaishankar expressed his appreciation for Blinken's insights on regional affairs, including the situation in Gaza.
