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.