Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as Iran’s president on Saturday and expressed his enthusiasm for future cooperation.
In a post on X, Modi said, “Looking forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our warm and long-standing bilateral relationship for the benefit of our peoples and the region.”
Election of Masoud Pezeshkian
Reformist candidate Pezeshkian triumphed in Iran’s runoff presidential election, defeating hard-liner Saeed Jalili with over 53.3% of the vote from more than 30 million ballots counted. Pezeshkian’s victory was marked by his promises to engage with the West and ease the enforcement of the country’s mandatory headscarf law. His approach has resonated with voters after years of sanctions and protests that have pressured the Islamic republic.
India’s Interest and Relations with Iran
India views Iran as part of its extended neighborhood and has been keenly observing Iran’s regional dynamics.
In August 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Ebrahim Raisi in Johannesburg during the BRICS Summit. Among other bilateral issues, they discussed the pending long-term contract on Chabahar, providing clear political direction to finalize and sign the agreement. It was just a week before the Raisi’s demise when New Delhi and Tehran signed the 10-year contract.
Diplomatic Engagements
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian through meetings and phone calls, which was key to securing Indian interests. The latest achievement in these diplomatic efforts was the release of Indian sailors who were on board a ship seized by the Iranian navy.
Historical and Contemporary Relations
India and Iran share a millennia-long history of interactions, with contemporary relations marked by high-level exchanges, commercial cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and cultural and people-to-people ties.
Photo credit: The indian express
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