Iran’s Ambassador Iraj Elahi Highlights Strong India-Iran Ties and Future Cooperation

New Delhi, July 5: Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasized the importance of connectivity in the India-Iran relationship. He mentioned that both countries have agreed to strengthen their cultural ties and have signed various agreements to enhance cooperation.

Elahi expressed confidence that the new president of Iran will bring new energy to the bilateral relations. He highlighted that India, as a rising power, needs safe, short, and cheap routes to international markets, and connectivity is crucial for this.

The ambassador noted that India has initiated several projects to strengthen cooperation, including opening a credit line of USD 250 million for infrastructural projects in Iran and investing USD 120 million in the Chabahar Port. This port is a key transit point for trade with Afghanistan and enhances regional connectivity.

Elahi also mentioned that Indian investors are increasingly interested in Iran, with over USD 120 million invested in various sectors last year. He added that Iran is working to create a legal framework to facilitate this cooperation.

Tourism is another area of focus, with Iran exempting Indian passport holders from visas, encouraging more travel between the two countries. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is also a significant project linking India, Iran, and northern Europe.

Elahi cast his vote in the second phase of Iran’s presidential election in New Delhi, expressing hope for a new president by tomorrow. The elections follow the tragic loss of former President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash on May 19, with a low voter turnout in the first round.