Iran's Araghchi in Delhi for BRICS talks on Hormuz safe passage

New Delhi and Tehran likely to discuss securing Indian vessels through Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise in West Asia

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, touching down just ahead of the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that begins on May 14. His delegation was received by ministry officials at the airport, and he is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the margins of the summit.

The visit, Araghchi's first to India since the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this year, comes at a critical moment for energy security in the region.

Strait of Hormuz in focus

Top of the agenda during bilateral talks is the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, which handles roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, has become a flashpoint in recent weeks.

Officials familiar with the matter say Jaishankar is expected to raise specific concerns about the movement of oil tankers and commercial ships transiting between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Any disruption at Hormuz directly impacts India's crude imports, nearly 80 per cent of which come from Gulf suppliers.

40-50 vessels stranded

Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 India-bound ships remain stuck west of the Strait, waiting for clear passage. The backlog has built up over the past fortnight as tensions spiked following recent naval deployments in the area.

Local authorities in Mumbai and Gujarat ports have been monitoring the situation closely. According to shipping industry sources, some vessels have been rerouted, but the delays are already affecting delivery timelines and freight costs.

First visit since escalation

Araghchi and Jaishankar have spoken multiple times over the phone in recent months, focusing on regional developments and the safety of Indian nationals. But this face-to-face meeting carries added weight.

"The timing is significant. Both sides understand that diplomatic channels need to stay open, especially when military rhetoric is high," a person aware of the preparations said, requesting anonymity.

The Iranian minister's itinerary also includes interactions with other BRICS counterparts, but the bilateral with Jaishankar remains the most closely watched.

India's BRICS presidency

New Delhi assumed the chairmanship of the expanded BRICS grouping on January 1, taking over from Brazil. This is India's fourth time leading the bloc, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

The theme for India's 2026 presidency—"Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"—reflects a people-centric approach that Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined at the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The bloc now includes 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Lavrov to attend

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also participate in the Delhi gathering, according to a statement from Moscow. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that discussions would cover global governance, major international issues, and preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi.

Lavrov's presence adds another layer to the diplomacy, given Russia's own interests in West Asian stability and energy markets.

Strategic significance beyond Hormuz

While safe passage through the Strait is the immediate priority, Araghchi's visit is expected to reinforce broader cooperation. The development of Iran's Chabahar Port, which India has been investing in as an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, remains a key pillar of bilateral ties.

Energy connectivity and regional diplomacy are also on the long-term agenda. For now, though, all eyes are on whether the two sides can secure a workable arrangement to keep Indian ships moving through one of the world's most contested waterways.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.

Iran's Araghchi Arrives in New Delhi Today for BRICS Talks; Hormuz Safe Passage High on Agenda

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lands in New Delhi this morning for a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, with bilateral talks expected to focus on securing safe movement for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising West Asian tensions.

 Strategic Visit Amid Regional Turbulence

Araghchi is scheduled to touch down on Wednesday, 13 May, ahead of the BRICS gathering being hosted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 14 and 15. This marks the Iranian diplomat's first visit to India since the escalation of hostilities involving Tehran, Washington, and Israel earlier this year.

Sources familiar with the matter said the two ministers are likely to sit down on the summit sidelines specifically to address concerns over India-flagged ships and oil tankers navigating the narrow strait. The waterway, a chokepoint for global crude shipments, has become increasingly volatile.

 40-50 India-Bound Vessels Affected

The urgency isn't hypothetical. Initial reports indicate that between 40 and 50 vessels headed for Indian ports remain stranded west of the Hormuz passage. For a country that imports roughly 85 per cent of its oil requirements, any prolonged disruption spells immediate trouble.

Officials point out that New Delhi is walking a tightrope—protecting energy security while avoiding entanglement in a conflict that shows no signs of cooling. Araghchi and Jaishankar have already held several telephone conversations in recent weeks, focusing on the safety of Indian nationals and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.

Lavrov Also in Attendance

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will also participate in the Delhi meeting, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Spokesperson Maria Zakharova confirmed that discussions will cover global governance, pressing international issues, and preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September in New Delhi.

India's BRICS Presidency

This is India's fourth time leading the BRICS grouping, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The theme for New Delhi's 2026 presidency—"Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"—takes forward a people-centric approach articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2025 Rio Summit.

The expanded bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.

Chabahar Port, Wider Ties on Table

Beyond the immediate crisis management, Araghchi's visit is expected to reinforce broader India-Iran cooperation. The development of Chabahar Port—a strategic project that gives New Delhi an alternative trade route bypassing Pakistan—remains a priority. Energy linkages and regional diplomacy will also feature.

With tensions showing no signs of easing, both sides recognise that maintaining secure sea lanes isn't just a bilateral concern but a matter of global trade stability. Araghchi's trip, while brief, signals that diplomatic channels remain open even as warships patrol contested waters.