Will take new steps towards the development of ties, the new Iran President tells India's foreign minister S Jaishankar

New Iran President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi has told India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that his country "will take new steps in the development of Tehran-New Delhi ties".

Foreign Minister Jaishankar is in Tehran for the oath-taking ceremony of the new President, his 2nd visit to the country in a matter of one month. Last month, he was the first foreign minister to call on Raisi after his victory in the June elections.

Emphasising that "Iran attaches special importance to establishing extensive relations with India", the President said, "From today on, we should take new and distinct steps in the development of bilateral, regional and international relations with a new perspective."

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Iran is important for India for connectivity and for fulfilling energy needs. Chabahar port in Iran is key to New Delhi's connectivity plans towards the west. The port, where India has invested, provides connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

During the meeting on Friday, Raisi said that the "Iranian government will pursue a policy of developing relations with neighbouring countries and the region, especially India", explaining that, "There are various sectors, especially in the economic and commercial fields, as well as new technologies, that we should use to promote the level of our relations".

India-Iran commercial ties were traditionally dominated by the Indian import of Iranian crude oil. In 2018-19, India imported US $12.11 bn worth of crude oil from Iran. But following the end of the Significant Reduction Exemption (SRE) period on 2 May 2019, India suspended importing crude from Iran.

During the talks, Afghanistan was also discussed between the 2 sides. The new Iranian President told EAM Jaishankar that, "Iran and India can play a constructive and useful role in ensuring security in the region, especially Afghanistan" and "Tehran welcomes New Delhi’s role in the establishment of security in Afghanistan".

During the July meeting as well, Afghanistan dominated the talks between the two sides. During Friday's talks, the Iranian President highlighted that the "fate of Afghanistan must be decided by the Afghans themselves, and we believe that if the Americans do not sabotage the situation, this issue will be resolved quickly".