Iranian MP Calls for Stronger Economic Ties with India

During the Sunday meeting with Dharmendra, Zulnouri said that political and economic cooperation between Iran and India is on the right track but should be further bolstered.

He referred to the level of trade exchange between the two countries and said the US by simmering crisis in the region and imposing new cruel sanctions on Iran’s economic and business exchanges have affected economic and trade exchanges, and careful planning should be used to help strengthen and deepen economic relations.

Reminding historical, religious, cultural and traditional links and commonalities between the two countries, the senior MP emphasized the importance of developing friendly relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and India in various fields, particularly parliamentary relations.

Zulnouri added that promoting parliamentary relations, especially between specialized commissions of the two countries will strengthen and consolidate friendly relations and cooperation in other fields.

The senior lawmaker stated that the political and economic relations between Iran and India are on the right track and called for the expansion and development of communications in various fields.

In the meeting, the Indian diplomat, called for taking advantage of the opportunities and contexts in the relations between the two countries for expanding the interactions and exchanges between the two nations.

He added that regional and international discussions between the authorities of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran play significant role in regional issues, adding that the high-ranking officials of the two countries should have continuous consultations with each other.

On Tuesday, Iranian Ambassador to New Delhi Ali Chegeni underlined the importance of Iran's Chabahar port for India to increase its exports to Afghanistan.

Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port is the key to India’s exports to Afghanistan, Chegeni said, addressing a meeting in the Northeastern province of Khorassan Razavi.

He added that India has a great potential to become Iran’s trade partner in various fields.  

India has an area two times bigger than Iran and has a population of more than one billion people which is a big market for Iran, Chegeni said. 

In relevant remarks in September, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referred to the long history of relations between the two countries, and called for the development of bilateral relations in areas of science, economy and research.

During the meeting on the sidelines of 74th UN General Assembly in New York, President Rouhani and Premier Modi exchanged views on bilateral ties.

Pointing to bilateral ties, Rouhani said “As a very important Asian country, India has had long-standing relations with Iran,” adding, “In this regard, we can develop our relations in scientific, research and economic fields between the two countries.”

On the two countries’ efforts to overcome the recent obstacles on the way of banking and energy relations, he appreciated India’s investment in developing the first phase of Chabahar Port, saying, “Today, Iran, India and Afghanistan are enjoying the advantages of this important project, and the region’s current and future generations will benefit from it.”