India, Iran are natural partners: Iran's outgoing envoy Iraj Elahi writes in his heartfelt note

"As my diplomatic mission in India comes to an end, I leave this beautiful land with cherished and unforgettable memories. During my stay, I always felt at home among the warm and gracious people of India," he wrote in his message on X.

"I have witnessed firsthand the tireless efforts of the great Indian nation and its government to achieve its rightful global standing — a goal I am confident India will soon attain," he said.

He said he had the oppurtunity of visiting several regions across India known for their cultural heritage.

"Over these years, I had the privilege of visiting many regions and cities across India, exploring its rich cultural and historical heritage. I deeply felt the enduring bonds of friendship between the great peoples of Iran and India, who have stood by each other through the tides of history," he said.

He said: "I firmly believe that the natural potentials, cultural affinities, and shared strategic independence of Iran and India make them natural partners. I am pleased that during this tenure, cooperation between our two nations in the strategic port of Chabahar became operational — a gateway that will soon be connected to Iran’s railway network, serving regional growth and the global economy."

He mentioned that significant steps were taken to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

"I warmly invite all Indian friends to visit Iran, discover its beauty firsthand, and experience the deep historical and cultural ties between our two ancient civilizations," he said.

As per the official website of the Indian Embassy in the country,  India and Iran share a millennia-long history of interactions. The contemporary and relationship draws upon the strength of these historical and civilisational ties, and continues to grow further marked by high-level exchanges, commercial and connectivity cooperation, cultural and robust people-to-people ties.

India and Iran signed a friendship treaty on 15th March 1950.

The visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Iran and the signing of the Tehran Declaration in April 2001, followed by the visit of President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami and the signing of the New Delhi Declaration in 2003 deepened the India-Iran cooperation.