TEHRAN – India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to pay a significant visit to Iran on January 15, where he will hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

The discussions are expected to cover a range of bilateral and regional issues, shining a spotlight on increased security concerns in the Red Sea. These concerns arise from reports of Yemeni Resistance forces Ansarullah targeting Israeli-associated vessels amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

Against the backdrop of these tensions, both the U.S. and U.K. launched airstrikes against Ansarullah’s positions in Yemen. This caused oil prices to tick up slightly on Friday following the strikes by the U.S. and the U.K., prompting concerns of wider regional escalation.

A key topic on the agenda is the strategic enhancement of regional connectivity through the Chabahar Port in south of Iran. Situated in the Sistan and Balochistan province along Iran's energy-rich southern coast, this joint venture between India and Iran aims to strengthen trade ties and enhance connectivity in the region. 

On November last year, Jaishankar held a phone conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. During the conversation, Amir Abdollahian had cautioned about the possible consequences of the war between Israel and Gaza and also said that Iran expected India, along with other regional and global countries to work towards establishing a ceasefire and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. He had also urged other nations to prevent the brutal genocide and displacement of Palestinians.

Jaishankar is also expected to meet with Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi during the short trip.

The visit carries significant implications as these key players discuss diplomatic maneuvers amidst a landscape fraught with geopolitical challenges.

MAS