President Rouhani’s visit to cement Tehran-Delhi ties: Indian Analyst

“Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani’s state visit to India on Feb. 15-17, 2018 will further consolidate the robust bilateral relations between the two great civilizations that have been friends and trusted partners over the millennia,” President of the New Dehli-based Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia (FCC) Venkat Narayan said in an exclusive interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

“Barring the hiccups caused by US sanctions on Iran, the two nations have ensured that their ties are not hurt, by undertaking frequent high-level visits, including the historic one by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Iran in May 2016.’

Commenting on the prospects of the already strong economic cooperation between the two countries, he said, ‘India eagerly looks to complete the Chabahar Port and also the rail link from the port to Zahedan to expand its trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.’

‘The port will also be the starting point for the International North South Trade Corrdor (INTSC) that will connect India with Iran, Russia and many Central Asian states. Dr Rouhani’s trips to New Delhi and Hyderabad and his meetings with India’s President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi will make this a landmark visit.”

Also rejecting the possibility of adverse impact of likely US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal on India’s investments in Iran, he said, “The US exit from the Iran nuclear deal, if and when it happens, will not adversely impact Indian investments in Chabahar Port and related projects.’

The expert cast doubt over the US success in persuading the European nations to follow its policy on Iran’s nuclear deal and said, “I seriously doubt if the US officials can convince Europe to renegotiate the Iranian nuclear deal. Just too much is at stake for Europe in Iran.’

‘Europe cannot afford to upset or alienate Iran by paying heed to Mr. Trump,” he added.

President Rouhani arrived in India’s Hyderabad on Thursday at the head of top-ranking delegation comprising cabinet ministers and Iran’s private sector businessmen. His visit is taking place at the official invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will leave for New Delhi this evening.