Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has responded warmly to Eid al-Adha congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising strong ties.In a formal message released, Khamenei expressed "sincere appreciation" for Modi's greetings and extended reciprocal congratulations. He highlighted the "historic friendship" between Iran and India, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, and expressed confidence that ties would "continue to be further strengthened and expanded through the efforts of our two governments."The message, addressed directly to PM Modi, concluded with prayers for the "prosperity and continued success of the Government and the great people of India."India and Iran share deep civilisational links dating back centuries, with cultural, economic, and strategic connections. Bilateral trade, especially energy trade, has faced challenges due to US sanctions on Iran, yet both sides have consistently emphasised resilience in their partnership.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-governor-lt-gen-syed-ata-hasnain-and-mos-pabitra-margherita-to-represent-india-at-khamenei-funeral-1782721330560">Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and MoS Pabitra Margherita to represent India at Khamenei funeral</a>Mojtaba Khamenei's message comes even as Iran invited Prime Minister Modi to attend state funeral ceremonies for his late father, Ali Khamenei. India will be represented at the state funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei by Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, Governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs.The Eid exchange is a routine yet significant diplomatic gesture. PM Modi's annual greetings to world leaders are a standard part of Indian diplomacy aimed at projecting goodwill across faiths and regions.Mojtaba Khamenei has issued several public messages since assuming the role, focusing on national unity and resistance to external pressures amid the conflict in West Asia.

India will be represented at the state funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei by Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, Governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs.

Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has responded warmly to Eid al-Adha congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising strong ties. In a formal message released, Khamenei expressed "sincere appreciation" for Modi's greetings and extended reciprocal congratulations. He highlighted the "historic friendship" between Iran and India, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, and expressed confidence that ties would "continue to be further strengthened and expanded through the efforts of our two governments." The message, addressed directly to PM Modi, concluded with prayers for the "prosperity and continued success of the Government and the great people of India." India and Iran share deep civilisational links dating back centuries, with cultural, economic, and strategic connections. Bilateral trade, especially energy trade, has faced challenges due to US sanctions on Iran, yet both sides have consistently emphasised resilience in their partnership. Also read | Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain and MoS Pabitra Margherita to represent India at Khamenei funeral Mojtaba Khamenei's message comes even as Iran invited Prime Minister Modi to attend state funeral ceremonies for his late father, Ali Khamenei. India will be represented at the state funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei by Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, Governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs. The Eid exchange is a routine yet significant diplomatic gesture. PM Modi's annual greetings to world leaders are a standard part of Indian diplomacy aimed at projecting goodwill across faiths and regions. Mojtaba Khamenei has issued several public messages since assuming the role, focusing on national unity and resistance to external pressures amid the conflict in West Asia.

India will be represented at the state funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei by Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain, Governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei thanks PM Modi for Eid al-Adha greetings, vows stronger ties

Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani is set to visit India this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting, according to Iranian ambassador Iraj Elahi. Elahi emphasised on the importance of the growing defence relations between Iran and India, which includes the regular engagements between the militaries of two nations.&nbsp;

"The defence relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India are going through a growing process in the framework of the comprehensive relations between the two countries," said Elahi at the Iran Army day celebrations in New Delhi.

"I also hope that with the visit of the Honorable Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India...the defense relations between the two countries will be further developed and strengthened in a dynamic bilateral and multilateral format."

Minister&nbsp;Ashtiani&nbsp;will have bilateral meetings with his Indian, Belarus, Chinese and Tajik counterparts during Delhi visit.&nbsp;

Iran will become full member of the grouping this year at the Delhi SCO Summit in July.

The SCO defence ministers meet will take place on 27-28th April in Delhi and will see the in-person participation of&nbsp;the Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu and other central Asian member countries. Pakistan will be present virtually at the meet.

The SCO is an inter-governmental organisation comprising eight member states, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-and-armenia-form-trilateral-grouping-to-deepen-ties-and-co-operation-584545">India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation</a>

In his speech, Iran ambassador emphasised the importance of a strong military defence strategy to maintain stability and security in the region.

"The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have become a key element in maintaining the stability and security of the region," said Ambassador Elahi.

"Our military doctrine is totally defensive and based on active deterrence. We are not a belligerent nation, but we will resolutely suppress any aggression."

He also spoke about the need for regional countries to take responsibility for their own security.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized on the security of the West Asian region by the countries of the region," said Ambassador Elahi.

"We consider the presence and interference of other powers to be the cause of instability in the region."

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;The West Asia Post | Is Iran trying to mend its ties with Saudi Arabia?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-west-asia-post-is-iran-trying-to-med-its-ties-with-saudi-arabia-529247/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Director General of Defense Intelligence Agency of India, Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana was the chief guest at the event which saw participation of Defense attaches of various foreign missions.

He said both the countries are "working towards expanding bilateral military cooperation to newer domains in the near future and...that our friendship will continue to grow stronger in the coming years".&nbsp;

Last year Iranian naval personnel participated at MILAN 22 exercise held in Vishakhapatnam and Iranian warships took part in combined maritime exercise IMEX 22 of the coasts of Goa.

Indian training ships visited Bandar Abbas in October 2022.&nbsp;Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana explained, "defence engagement between India and Iran has grown. A number of professional military courses are being attended by both sides to enable greater interaction between junior and mid-level officers".&nbsp;

At senior level, a strategic neighborhood study tour of the Indian National Defense College visited Iran in Aug/Sept 2022.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani is set to visit India this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting, according to Iranian ambassador Iraj Elahi.

Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani is set to visit India this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' Meeting, according to Iranian ambassador Iraj Elahi. Elahi emphasised on the importance of the growing defence relations between Iran and India, which includes the regular engagements between the militaries of two nations. "The defence relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India are going through a growing process in the framework of the comprehensive relations between the two countries," said Elahi at the Iran Army day celebrations in New Delhi. "I also hope that with the visit of the Honorable Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran to India...the defense relations between the two countries will be further developed and strengthened in a dynamic bilateral and multilateral format." Minister Ashtiani will have bilateral meetings with his Indian, Belarus, Chinese and Tajik counterparts during Delhi visit. Iran will become full member of the grouping this year at the Delhi SCO Summit in July. The SCO defence ministers meet will take place on 27-28th April in Delhi and will see the in-person participation of the Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, Chinese defense minister Li Shangfu and other central Asian member countries. Pakistan will be present virtually at the meet. The SCO is an inter-governmental organisation comprising eight member states, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. ALSO READ | India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation In his speech, Iran ambassador emphasised the importance of a strong military defence strategy to maintain stability and security in the region. "The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran have become a key element in maintaining the stability and security of the region," said Ambassador Elahi. "Our military doctrine is totally defensive and based on active deterrence. We are not a belligerent nation, but we will resolutely suppress any aggression." He also spoke about the need for regional countries to take responsibility for their own security. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized on the security of the West Asian region by the countries of the region," said Ambassador Elahi. "We consider the presence and interference of other powers to be the cause of instability in the region." ALSO WATCH | The West Asia Post | Is Iran trying to mend its ties with Saudi Arabia? × Director General of Defense Intelligence Agency of India, Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana was the chief guest at the event which saw participation of Defense attaches of various foreign missions. He said both the countries are "working towards expanding bilateral military cooperation to newer domains in the near future and...that our friendship will continue to grow stronger in the coming years". Last year Iranian naval personnel participated at MILAN 22 exercise held in Vishakhapatnam and Iranian warships took part in combined maritime exercise IMEX 22 of the coasts of Goa. Indian training ships visited Bandar Abbas in October 2022. Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana explained, "defence engagement between India and Iran has grown. A number of professional military courses are being attended by both sides to enable greater interaction between junior and mid-level officers". At senior level, a strategic neighborhood study tour of the Indian National Defense College visited Iran in Aug/Sept 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran defence minister to visit India this week for SCO Meet: Ambassador Iraj Elahi

EAM S. Jaishankar also held extensive talks with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Tehran covering a range of key issues including the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan.

India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Iran

Iran has dropped India from the Chabahar rail project - 4 years after the two countries decided to build it together. It comes at a time when Beijing is negotiating a $400 billion deal with Tehran. Is China using its chequebook to have its way?

Gravitas: India dropped from the Chabahar Railway Project

iran-india

Iran India, News on Iran India, stories on Iran India, articles on Iran India, Iran India stories at Wion, Iran India news, Iran India latest news

iran india

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei thanks PM Modi for Eid al-Adha greetings, vows stronger ties

Iran defence minister to visit India this week for SCO Meet: Ambassador Iraj Elahi

India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Iran

Gravitas: India dropped from the Chabahar Railway Project