Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Visit India Amid Tariff Concerns and Diplomatic Engagements:

As per an article from the Economic Times, Indian diplomats are anticipating a visit from Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, in the early part of May. This visit comes in light of apprehensions from all over the world due to a new tariff announcement by the United States.

Reports have suggested that Araqchi intends to speak about expanding collaboration on the Chabahar Port project as well as the International North-South Transport Corridor. In addition, he is likely to work towards the advancement of economic collaboration, which is limited due to sanctions on Iran.

Change in Iran's Policy Towards Asia

The visit is in accordance to Iranian policy that encourages the deepening of relations between Iran and Asian economical delegates such as India, China, and Russia. Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, in a youtube post recently commanded the government to focus on trade connections with surrounding economic powers.

For Canadians and other foreigners, Khamenei's statement is unprecedented.

- New Trade Partners in the Eyes of Iran

Diplomatic Venture Outside of India

Araqchi is also scheduled to meet up with Russian diplomats to follow up on the latest US-Iran negotiations that were initially set in Oman, prior to India. Both sides have labeled the discussions as productive.

Iran is also slated to welcome the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, this week, which is likely part of Tehran’s attempts to settle disputes regarding its nuclear program and relieve some international economic pressure.

Geopolitical Context and Past Frictions

While the country maintains is not developed any nuclear-armed missiles, the U.S. seemingly is not relenting its assertion that Tehran’s nuclear energy program poses a risk. Under former US President Donald Trump, Tehran was strongly warned of military repercussions should a new agreement on nuclear stipulations not be sanctioned soon.

In a rather unusual frosty diplomatic episode, Supreme Leader Khamenei laid into India for its treatment of Muslims, which drew some stern fire from New Delhi. The Indian government countered Khamenei’s remarks describing them as “misinformed” and suggested that Iran ought to look into its own history instead of dictating toother countries.