What happened?
India and Iran jointly condemned terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations” following the 20th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi on 8 May 2025. The JCM was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During the meeting, the Indian delegation briefed the Iranian side on the cross-border dimensions of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April, and both nations called for enhanced regional cooperation to tackle terrorism. India and Iran also signed MoUs on medical product regulation and customs cooperation, and pledged a humanitarian approach to prisoners, seafarers, and students facing legal or logistical challenges. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi also met with President Droupadi Murmu and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Why it matters to India
This joint condemnation of terrorism by India and Iran reinforces India’s stance against cross-border terrorism, particularly in the context of recent events involving Pakistan. Iran’s support for India’s position on terrorism strengthens India’s diplomatic efforts to isolate and counter terrorist threats emanating from the region. The discussions on enhanced regional cooperation are crucial for India’s security interests, as it seeks to build a united front against extremism. Furthermore, the MoUs signed in areas like medical product regulation and customs cooperation will likely boost bilateral trade and economic engagement, aligning with India’s strategy to deepen its ties with Iran despite geopolitical complexities. The commitment to a humanitarian approach for prisoners, seafarers, and students also reflects India’s emphasis on people-to-people connections and its image as a responsible global actor. The high-level meetings underscore the importance India attaches to its relationship with Iran, a key player in the region with significant energy resources and strategic connectivity potential.