NEW DELHI, May 15: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held wide-ranging talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi focusing on the West Asia crisis and its impact on energy supplies and maritime stability.
It was the first comprehensive discussion between the two countries since the war between the US and Iran began on February 28.
The Iranian foreign minister was on a three-day visit to New Delhi to attend a BRICS conclave.
“Had a detailed conversation with FM Abbas Araghchi of Iran this morning in Delhi,” Jaishankar said on social media.
“Discussed the situation in West Asia and its implications. Also exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interest,” he said.
The external affairs minister also appreciated Araghchi’s participation at the BRICS foreign ministerial meeting.
It is learnt that Jaishankar flagged concerns over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as several Indian vessels are still waiting to cross the waterway. Araghchi described his meeting with Jaishankar as “fruitful”.
“In fruitful engagement with my host @DrSJaishankar, discussed regional developments and clarified that Iran will always carry out historical duty as protector of security in Hormuz,” he said on social media.
“Iran is a reliable partner of all friendly nations, who can rely on safety of commerce,” he said.
The escalating conflict between the US and Iran has severely destabilised global energy markets, primarily due to Tehran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital transit chokepoint, through which approximately 20 per cent of the world’s total petroleum supply flows.
Hours after his meeting with Jaishankar, Araghchi told a media briefing that Iran attaches “great importance” to its relations with India.
The foreign minister also said that Iran hopes that the Strait of Hormuz will be fully reopened soon.
“As far as we are concerned, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and all vessels can pass except the vessels of those countries which are fighting with us,” he said.
The Iranian foreign minister blamed what he called “the US aggression” for the situation in and around the key waterway.
“The Strait is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman and everything relating to it should be managed by Iran and Oman,” he said.
“There will be a good administration of the the Strait of Hormuz in the future, which will guarantee the safe passage of all vessels.” (Agencies)
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