S. Jaishankar, Iran FM Discuss West Asia Tensions

India and Iran hold talks on regional stability and BRICS cooperation

March 13, 2026: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss regional and international developments amid rising tensions in West Asia. According to Tehran, Araghchi briefed his Indian counterpart on the latest situation following attacks that Iran claims were carried out by the United States and Israel, and explained their implications for regional and global stability.

In a post on X, Jaishankar confirmed the discussion, saying the two leaders spoke about bilateral relations as well as issues related to BRICS. The call marked the fourth conversation between the two ministers since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on January 18, an escalation that triggered retaliation from Tehran and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

During the talks, Araghchi emphasised what he described as Iran’s legitimate right to self-defence and urged regional and international organisations to condemn the attacks. Jaishankar, meanwhile, reaffirmed India’s willingness to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Iran and stressed the importance of dialogue, stability and long-term security in the region.