صراط عشق صراط عشق
Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar underlined the need for setting up a Joint Economic Commission with Iran as soon as possible to pursue further development of economic and trade cooperation.
Jaishankar made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian in New Delhi on Wednesday.
He called the Amir Abdollahian’s visit to India “very important” for cementing bilateral relations, and stressed the need to set up Iran-India Joint Economic Commission in the shortest time possible in line with accelerating trade and economic activities between the two countries.
He stated that bilateral cooperation should be strengthened in line with developing Chabahar port and other common transportation lines and corridors.
During the meeting, Iranian and Indian foreign ministers emphasized the need for formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of all ethnic and religious groups.
Amir Abdollahian, for his part, said that the two countries of Iran and India enjoy high capacities and potentials to broaden their ties in all fields, and emphasized the need to prepare a roadmap to advance comprehensive strategic relations between Iran and India.
Iran’s top diplomat went on to say that preparation of a roadmap for strategic cooperation between the two countries can regulate long-term relations and protect the relationship from the influence of destructive factors.
Developing regional cooperation and focusing on spread of peace and stability in Afghanistan were among the other issues emphasized by the two foreign ministers.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, Amir Abdollahian stressed good relations between Tehran and New Delhi, saying that the two countries are enhancing their comprehensive cooperation.
“Relations between Tehran and New Delhi are at a very good level. We are witnessing growth and development of comprehensive relations, including in the economic and cultural fields, and exchange of delegations between the two countries, ever since the new administration took office” in Iran, he told reporters on Wednesday morning.
“Besides meetings with Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] and National Security Advisor [Ajit Kumar Doval], I will have an in-depth conversation with my counterpart today,” he said.
The Iranian foreign minister explained that he had reached an agreement with his Indian counterpart in Tehran earlier this year to draw up a roadmap for long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Amir Abdollahian also touched on the recent controversial remarks by India’s two ruling party officials that insulted Prophet Muhammad (Peace upon Him), saying the Indian government has taken a stance and categorically condemned them.
“India has long been following the path of peaceful coexistence, and adherents of all religions have lived there in peace and tranquility,” the Iranian foreign minister said, noting that Muslims cannot accept desecration of the Prophet of Islam in any way.
“We expected to hear Indian leaders speak out about peaceful coexistence of all religions and sects, as we have seen throughout the country’s history. We hope Indian authorities will reiterate this stance in the talks,” Amir Abdollahian said.
The controversy began after Nupur Sharma, the spokeswoman of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), made insulting remarks during a TV show, triggering a wave of condemnation at home and abroad from the Muslim world. The party has since distanced itself from her remarks and suspended the spokeswoman. Nevertheless, Muslim leaders in India have called for legal action against her.
Another BJP spokesman, Naveen Kumal Jindal, was expelled from the party over comments he made about Islam on social media.
On Friday, Muslims in Kanpur city of the northern Uttar Pradesh state protested against the BJP spokeswoman’s comments.
