Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Amid the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Khatibzadeh in New Delhi during the Raisina Dialogue, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Multiple Diplomatic Contacts In 24 Hours
Reports indicate that Indian and Iranian diplomats held at least three interactions within the last 24 hours. On Friday, Jaishankar met Khatibzadeh in New Delhi during the Raisina Dialogue. However, details of the discussion between the two leaders have not been officially disclosed.
A day earlier, Jaishankar also held a phone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In addition, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to attend a condolence meeting held in memory of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Misri signed the condolence register during the visit.
Iran Criticises US During Interaction
Speaking to journalists, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Khatibzadeh criticised the Trump administration, accusing it of adopting a colonial approach regarding Iran’s leadership. He remarked that the United States could not even choose the mayor of New York but appeared to want to decide who would lead Iran.
He questioned whether the United States intended to remove Iran’s democratically elected president while claiming to promote democracy globally.
Iran Condemns Sinking Of Naval Ship
Khatibzadeh also described the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean as a tragic incident. He said the ship was not carrying weapons and that several young Iranian sailors participating in a training exercise lost their lives in the incident.
India Maintains Neutral Stance
India has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict between Iran and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with leaders of countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia following regional attacks.
During a joint press conference with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, the Prime Minister said that military conflict cannot resolve global issues and emphasised that India believes in dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law.
