New Delhi is expected to host Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi next week for high-level consultations with senior Indian officials, according to sources familiar with the matter. Preparations for the visit are reportedly still being finalised, but Araghchi is likely to be in the Indian capital between January 15 and 16.

This will mark Araghchi’s second visit to India, following his trip in May 2025, which coincided with a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan. The upcoming visit comes amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, and discussions are expected to cover a broad range of issues spanning bilateral trade, regional security, and infrastructure cooperation.

Key Issues on the Agenda

One of the central topics is likely to be the development of Chabahar Port in Iran’s Gulf of Oman. The port, strategically located, has become a critical link for Indian trade with Afghanistan following the closure of transit routes through Pakistan. Officials from both countries are expected to explore ways to advance cooperation on regional connectivity, trade, and the expansion of the port, ensuring it continues to serve as a key hub for shipment of goods to India.

The Chabahar port project has also been shaped by US sanctions. In October 2024, the Trump administration granted a six-month exemption for US sanctions related to Chabahar, following an earlier revocation of a 2018 waiver that had allowed India to establish a presence at the strategic facility. The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity for Indian and Iranian officials to assess how to continue developing the port under changing international conditions.

In addition to infrastructure and trade, regional security issues are expected to feature prominently. The visit will allow the Iranian side to brief India on its response to ongoing protests in Tehran and other cities over economic concerns. According to reports, around 14 people, including security personnel, have died since the protests began. The demonstrations have also drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump issuing warnings about potential intervention should Iranian authorities use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators.

Broader Geopolitical and Multilateral Context

India’s role as BRICS chair in 2026 adds another layer of significance to the visit. Cooperation with Iran is likely to be considered important in shaping the agenda of the grouping, particularly on issues of regional stability, trade facilitation, and South-South cooperation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to travel to India later this year to attend the BRICS Summit, highlighting the strategic dimension of India-Iran relations in multilateral forums.

Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, highlighted last week that India’s position as an emerging global power and voice of the Global South could play an influential role in ongoing peace efforts, including the Gaza peace process. The visit by Araghchi is expected to reinforce India’s engagement on such diplomatic initiatives while simultaneously addressing concrete bilateral priorities.

Trade and Strategic Partnerships

Beyond port development, bilateral trade relations between India and Iran are expected to feature prominently. Chabahar port has emerged as a critical hub for the movement of goods from Afghanistan to India, especially in light of strained relations and transit restrictions with Pakistan. Indian companies and officials are likely to discuss expansion of infrastructure, customs cooperation, and logistic arrangements to ensure smooth and secure trade flows.

The visit is also anticipated to provide a forum for discussions on energy cooperation. Iran remains a significant player in the global energy market, and India has historically relied on Iranian crude imports and gas supplies. The discussions may also explore renewed investments, joint projects, and technology transfer opportunities, ensuring the energy corridor remains robust despite international sanctions pressures.

Political Significance

The timing of Araghchi’s visit is significant in the context of recent tensions in the region, including ongoing US-Iran standoffs and the evolving situation in West Asia. India’s diplomatic engagement with Iran is likely to focus on maintaining stability, promoting dialogue, and safeguarding regional connectivity projects, while ensuring compliance with international sanctions regimes.

Officials from both countries are expected to discuss mechanisms for ongoing coordination and consultation to manage bilateral and regional issues effectively. These consultations are particularly important given India’s expanding role in regional infrastructure projects and its increasing stakes in West Asian geopolitics.

Outlook

Araghchi’s anticipated visit underscores the strategic importance of India-Iran relations, both in terms of infrastructure and trade connectivity, as well as broader regional diplomacy. Key objectives include:

• Advancing the development of Chabahar Port and regional trade corridors.
• Strengthening bilateral trade and investment frameworks.
• Coordinating on regional security issues, including the situation in Afghanistan and West Asia.
• Discussing India’s and Iran’s roles in multilateral platforms such as BRICS.
• Engaging on humanitarian and diplomatic issues, including the response to ongoing protests in Iran.

As preparations continue, the visit is expected to reaffirm India’s commitment to long-term strategic engagement with Iran, while also allowing both sides to navigate a complex regional and international environment.