Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while addressing a press conference during his visit to India, informed about the recent high-level talks with India. He said that yesterday he had a good and brief discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while today with External Affairs Minister S. Had a long meeting with Jaishankar.
“We discussed almost every issue, including the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf region. I can say that our positions are almost similar and we have common concerns and interests in this important region,” Araghchi said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister further said that coordination with India will continue. “We are trying to help ships pass safely. The situation will return to normal once the offensive action ends completely,” he said, referring to the complex situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Will not bow down to any pressure or threat”
Iran’s Foreign Minister said, “We are currently in a ceasefire situation, although it is very unstable. There is no military solution to any issue related to Iran. They have tested us again and again. We will never bow to any pressure or threat. We also oppose any sanctions, the Iranian people only understand the language of respect.”
Both India and Iran depend on energy imports and trade through the Strait of Hormuz. A large part of the world’s oil is exported through this waterway. Any instability in the region has a direct impact on the global energy market and India’s energy security.
The two countries have long been coordinating with each other on issues of regional security, counter-terrorism and economic cooperation. The Chabahar port project is an important part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
This statement of Abbas Araghchi has come at a time when tension is increasing in the Middle East. There remains international concern about the safety of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has clarified that it strives to maintain freedom of navigation in the region, but peace will be restored only when “aggressive actions” completely end.
India has always emphasized peace, stability and maritime security in the region. The meetings held by Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar with the Iranian side are being considered an important step towards further strengthening the strategic dialogue between the two countries.