Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on Thursday during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting [1].

The meeting comes as instability grows in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor. India seeks to ensure the safe passage of its ships through the region while navigating broader security concerns across West Asia [1], [2].

Araghchi arrived in the Indian capital to participate in the BRICS summit scheduled for May 14-15, 2024 [1], [3]. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the official diplomatic gathering. Both leaders addressed the escalating tensions in the region and the necessity of maintaining stability for international trade [1].

Security concerns in the area have intensified since Feb. 28, 2024, when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran [4]. This conflict has increased the risk of maritime disruptions, which directly impact Indian energy security and trade routes [2].

While some reports suggest this was the first interaction between Modi and Araghchi since the conflict began, other diplomatic records do not specify if prior meetings occurred [5]. The focus of the current dialogue remains the immediate security environment in West Asia and the role of BRICS nations in fostering regional stability [1], [2].

India continues to balance its strategic partnerships in the Middle East, maintaining ties with both Iran and other regional powers to protect its economic interests [1]. The meeting underscores New Delhi's effort to use multilateral forums like BRICS to engage with Tehran during periods of high geopolitical friction [3].

“India seeks to ensure the safe passage of its ships through the region”

This meeting highlights India's strategic necessity to maintain a functional relationship with Iran despite Western pressures. By leveraging the BRICS framework, New Delhi can address critical security issues, specifically the safety of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, without appearing to take a side in the ongoing conflict between Iran and U.S.-backed forces.