External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Zarif discuss bilateral, regional affairs

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who is in Iran to attend 19th round of Iran-India joint economic commission meeting, met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif and discussed the latest developments in bilateral relations.

"Excellent discussions on closer bilateral relations and regional and global issues affecting our respective countries," Zarif said in a Twitter post.

Iran-India relations date back to thousands of years ago. The two Asian countries have set sights on developing their ties further at a time when Iran is looking east rather than west.

"Our ties are ancient, historic and unbreakable," said Zarif.

Both countries have been keen on expanding their cultural, political and trade ties since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1950.

Iran has always looked at India as a potential billion-strong market. It sees India as a great business partner that can provide a breathing room for it under the unilateral US economic sanctions.

Before implementing the sanctions, India had enjoyed an advantageous trading relationship with Iran under which New Delhi paid for oil in rupees which Tehran used to buy Indian goods.

Energy-hungry India cannot turn a blind eye on Iran's crude which is suitable for many of its refineries.

India's ties with Iran figured in the recent 2+2 talks with the US in Washington.
During the visit, the two countries would sign a few agreements and Jaishankar is expected to call on President Hassan Rouhani. 

Image: Javad Zarif Twitter page