Abbas Araghchi held another phone conversation with S. Jaishankar to discuss recent regional and global developments, according to a statement released by Iran.
During the call, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments following what Iran described as attacks by the United States and Israel, and their potential impact on regional and global stability. He also called for increased cooperation among BRICS nations, according to the statement from Tehran.
This marks the fourth conversation between the Iranian foreign minister and his Indian counterpart since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on January 18, which triggered retaliatory attacks from Tehran and further escalated tensions across the Middle East.
“Araghchi briefed his Indian counterpart on the latest developments following what Iran described as attacks by the United States and Israel, and their impact on regional and global stability. He emphasised the determination of the Iranian government, its people, and armed forces to exercise their legitimate right to self-defence,” the readout stated.
He also urged international and regional organisations to condemn what Iran called “military aggression against the country” and underlined the importance of BRICS in promoting global stability.
For his part, S. Jaishankar said India is willing to broaden bilateral and multilateral cooperation through regional and international platforms, while stressing the need to strengthen long-term stability and security in the region, the statement from Tehran added.
S. Jaishankar also confirmed that the conversation took place on Thursday night.
“Had another conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi yesterday night. We discussed bilateral matters as well as issues related to BRICS,” Jaishankar said.
Both leaders also held another “detailed” conversation on March 10, during which they discussed developments in the war, including a missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in Iran on the first day of the conflict and what were described as subsequent widespread attacks on civilian sites and public service centres.
According to an earlier readout, Abbas Araghchi described the actions by the United States and Israel as a violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. He said governments around the world have a responsibility to condemn what Iran termed military aggression and breaches of international law. The foreign ministers of Iran and India also discussed the possible impact of the conflict on shipping security and vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Acknowledging the conversation, S. Jaishankar said, “We agreed to remain in touch.”