Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has announced plans to enhance relations with India within the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) frameworks, Daily News Egypt reports.
This announcement came during his meeting with the Indian Minister for Port Infrastructure, Shipping, and Inland Waterways Development, Sarbananda Sonowal.
Amir-Abdollahian reiterated Iran’s commitment to strengthening ties with India both bilaterally and multilaterally, describing India as a “reliable partner” and underscoring the strategic importance of their relationship.
He also highlighted the signing of an agreement with India for the development and operation of Iran’s Chabahar port, calling it a significant opportunity to boost trade cooperation between the two nations. He pledged Iran’s full support to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
Historically, India and Iran have maintained robust trade relations, particularly in the energy sector. Iran has been a crucial supplier of oil to India, meeting a significant portion of its energy needs. The two nations have also cooperated on various infrastructural projects, with the Chabahar port being a notable example. This port serves as a strategic asset for India, providing a direct trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. For Iran, Chabahar represents an essential component of its economic diversification and regional trade strategy.
Furthermore, as both nations seek to diversify their economies and reduce dependence on Western markets, there is ample scope for collaboration in areas such as technology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and education.
