Visit of External Affairs Minister to Iran

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India and Iran
India and Iran

External Affairs Minister Smt Sushma Swaraj visited Tehran on 16-17 April 2016 at the invitation of her counterpart Dr. Javad Zarif, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. EAM called on Hon’ble President of Iran Dr. Hassan Rouhani, met Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to Supreme Leader and held delegation level talks with Mr Javad Zarif.

In her cordial and forward-looking discussions with Iranian dignitaries, EAM highlighted the long-standing civilizational ties between the two countries. She stressed the desire of India to expand all-round cooperation with Iran particularly in energy, connectivity, ports, infrastructure, trade and culture. She expressed the hope that the two sides will sign at an early opportunity the bilateral contract on Chabahar Port, and also the trilateral Agreement involving India, Iran and Afghanistan on Trade and Transit Corridor through the Chabahar port. Iran supported India’s desire to join the Ashgabat Agreement. Both sides highlighted the importance of International North South Transport Corridor. The Iranian side welcomed the prospects for participation of India in railway projects, such as Chabahar-Zahedan, which will enhance regional connectivity.

India welcomed the outcome in cooperation in energy sector from the recent visit of Minister of State (IC) Petroleum and Natural Gas to Iran, including the exploration and development of Farzad B and participation of India in setting up fertilizer projects. The concerned companies have been directed to complete their contractual negotiations on Farzad B in a time bound manner. Iranian side had earlier communicated their gas pricing formula and welcomed Indian investment in the Chabahar SEZ.

EAM also emphasized the need for early finalization of trade related agreements including on Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, Bilateral Investment Protection And Promotion Agreement and an early launch of negotiations on Preferential trade Agreement. She conveyed that India was ready to repatriate the oil payments to Iran through the mutually workable banking channels as per the understanding reached between the relevant authorities of the two countries.

Both sides took note of the good cooperation between the National Security Council structures of the two countries and agreed to intensify this engagement.

Given the civilizational links between India and Iran, both sides agreed to promote and strengthen the existing cultural exchanges, inter- alia, by observing Weeks of Iran and India in each other’s country, publication of manuscripts, organizing conferences and events related to language, literature and religion. They also agreed to positively consider the establishment of a Hindi Chair in Tehran University sponsored by ICCR and to renew the Cultural Exchange Programme.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the recent exchange of visits and called for more high level exchanges to give fresh impetus to India Iran relations.

The Iranian side assured all cooperation in addressing a few specific matters of interest to the Indian community staying in Iran and the difficulties faced by Indian seafarers working in Iran. EAM had earlier in the day met members of the Indian community in Iran and attended an event at the Kendriya Vidyalaya.

The two ministers also reviewed global and regional issues, in particular the situation in Afghanistan.

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