‘Iran, India play major role in int’l affairs’

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described Iran and India as two international heavyweights.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran and India are two key players and decision-makers in the international arena,” Zarif said upon arrival at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday.

Zarif, who is on a two-day official visit to India, said he will discuss issues of mutual interest, including regional and international issues with senior Indian officials.

The top Iranian diplomat attached great significance to Tehran’s relations with New Delhi and said his visit aims to boost mutual cooperation in energy and banking sectors.

India is among Asia’s major importers of energy and relies on Iran to meet a portion of its energy demands.

Iran was the second-largest supplier of India’s crude before the US-led sanctions were imposed on Tehran about two years ago.

Zarif noted that issues related to Afghanistan, extremism and terrorism as well as the latest developments regarding the nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 group (comprising the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) will be other main topics of discussion with Indian authorities.

Iran’s foreign minister stated that his visit also aims to enhance peaceful relations between West Asian countries.

Zarif’s visit comes at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Salman Khurshid.