According to Tasnim dispatches, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif’s visit to New Delhi, Ali Chegini pointed to the ample opportunities available for expansion of economic relations between Iran and India.
Highlighting the significant role that Iran’s Chabahar port plays in economic cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador said, “The Port of Chabahar has a special and extraordinary position with great economic, political and security advantages, and is of significance for us, for India, for Afghanistan and for Central Asia in terms of security protection.”
He said India is seriously resolved to cooperate with Iran in Chabahar, adding that the facilities and incentives that Iran has provided for investors in the port city would attract the Indians.
The envoy also noted that the Indian government has not set any ceiling on investment in Chabahar, saying they have even made more investment than what has been announced.
The ambassador further praised India’s “rationale” stances towards Iran after coming into force of the US sanctions against Tehran, saying New Delhi has behaved independently and there is no sign or comment suggesting that it may halt cooperation with Tehran in future.
Pointing to the great potential for stronger ties between the two nations, Chegini said Iran and India can increase the value of annual bilateral trade, which now stands at $14 billion.
In February 2018, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made an official visit to India, during which the two countries signed 15 agreements in various fields, from an extradition treaty to cooperation in the development of Iran’s Chabahar port.