In reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran has found a new president over a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash which necessitated&nbsp;snap elections. A cardiac surgeon and single dad who is seen as an advocate of greater freedoms for women in post-revolution Iran, Pezeshkian will now confront&nbsp;the challenge of navigating through his reformist policy agenda in a deeply conservative polity.

But there is one aspect of Pezeshkian's job in which he is expected to be on the same page as the Supreme Leader and incredibly powerful Guardian Council: bilateral ties with India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elections-will-cardiac-surgeon-pezeshkian-win-peoples-hearts-in-runoff-737606https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-elections-will-cardiac-surgeon-pezeshkian-win-peoples-hearts-in-runoff-737606">The structure of power in Iran: How is it different?</a>

On the economic front, Iran continues to face the burden of choking US&nbsp;sanctions amid Tehran's tacit insistence on becoming a nuclear power. But in recent years, Tehran has found a credible economic partner in New Delhi. The&nbsp;two countries recently formalised a crucial Chabahar port deal.&nbsp;

India has formalised some of its most significant foreign&nbsp;investments, with a deal for the operations of a part of&nbsp;Iran's Chabahar Port, located just 200 km from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan, and key to New Delhi's connectivity ambitions with Russia through Central Asia.

<img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" />

Iran is at the centre of&nbsp;the International North-South&nbsp;Transport Corridor (INSTC) | WION

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Iran in January this year with a focus on concluding the Chabahar Port Deal and developments on the North-South Corridor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-achieves-crucial-strategic-breakthrough-with-tehran-outreach-682114">The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach</a>

Five months after Jaishankar's Tehran visit in which the two sides committed to a "long term cooperation framework" over Chabahar port's development, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for equipping and operation of general cargo and container terminals of Chabahar port.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-seals-deal-to-operate-chabahar-port-for-a-decade-723100">The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more</a>

The Chabahar Port project is central to India's regional connectivity strategy and serves as a vital gateway for Indian goods into Afghanistan and Russia.&nbsp;The port's strategic location provides an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan to access international markets, reducing its dependence on Pakistan and giving New Delhi&nbsp;a strategic advantage in a Taliban-run Kabul.&nbsp;

<h2>Pezeshkian in Tehran: What it means for New&nbsp;Delhi?</h2>

<img alt="Iran-India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1655984b-1400-49f3-b8ef-1f90d55f96d1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2828%29_4.png" />

In past, even when the Conservative presidents were in power in Iran, New Delhi managed to utilise its diplomatic capital in the West to secure a waiver of sanctions for economic cooperation with Tehran&nbsp;— especially for Chabahar's development.&nbsp;

But with Pezeshkian's promising outlook for&nbsp;country's better ties with the West along with the rest of the world&nbsp;— and India's elevated ties with most Western powers&nbsp;— it will make New Delhi's economic cooperation with Tehran devoid of geopolitical brakes.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran election: Reformer Masoud Pezeshkian elected new president

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As the world's fifth biggest economy with a per capita income as less as $2400, it's in India's interest to ensure feasible connectivity routes so that Indians back home are able to get cheaper goods.

In reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran has found a new president over a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash which necessitated snap elections.

In reformist Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran has found a new president over a month after President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash which necessitated snap elections. A cardiac surgeon and single dad who is seen as an advocate of greater freedoms for women in post-revolution Iran, Pezeshkian will now confront the challenge of navigating through his reformist policy agenda in a deeply conservative polity. But there is one aspect of Pezeshkian's job in which he is expected to be on the same page as the Supreme Leader and incredibly powerful Guardian Council: bilateral ties with India. Also read | The structure of power in Iran: How is it different? On the economic front, Iran continues to face the burden of choking US sanctions amid Tehran's tacit insistence on becoming a nuclear power. But in recent years, Tehran has found a credible economic partner in New Delhi. The two countries recently formalised a crucial Chabahar port deal. India has formalised some of its most significant foreign investments, with a deal for the operations of a part of Iran's Chabahar Port, located just 200 km from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan, and key to New Delhi's connectivity ambitions with Russia through Central Asia. Iran is at the centre of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) | WION External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Iran in January this year with a focus on concluding the Chabahar Port Deal and developments on the North-South Corridor. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach Five months after Jaishankar's Tehran visit in which the two sides committed to a "long term cooperation framework" over Chabahar port's development, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract for equipping and operation of general cargo and container terminals of Chabahar port. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi seals deal to operate Chabahar port for a decade; and more The Chabahar Port project is central to India's regional connectivity strategy and serves as a vital gateway for Indian goods into Afghanistan and Russia. The port's strategic location provides an alternative route for landlocked Afghanistan to access international markets, reducing its dependence on Pakistan and giving New Delhi a strategic advantage in a Taliban-run Kabul. Pezeshkian in Tehran: What it means for New Delhi? In past, even when the Conservative presidents were in power in Iran, New Delhi managed to utilise its diplomatic capital in the West to secure a waiver of sanctions for economic cooperation with Tehran — especially for Chabahar's development. But with Pezeshkian's promising outlook for country's better ties with the West along with the rest of the world — and India's elevated ties with most Western powers — it will make New Delhi's economic cooperation with Tehran devoid of geopolitical brakes. Also watch | Iran election: Reformer Masoud Pezeshkian elected new president × As the world's fifth biggest economy with a per capita income as less as $2400, it's in India's interest to ensure feasible connectivity routes so that Indians back home are able to get cheaper goods.

Why reformist Pezeshkian may ease economic cooperation between India and Iran

Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr&nbsp;Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.

In a congratulatory message on the occasion of Eid Ul Adha, Ambassador Elahi extended his heartfelt&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to the Indian government and its people for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government.&nbsp;

He remarked, "I am hopeful that under the continued leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Modi, relations between the two old nations will continue and strengthen during the third term."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-presidential-election-race-poll-shows-parliament-speaker-ghalibaf-in-lead-among-potential-candidates-731954">Iranian presidential election race: Poll shows Parliament speaker Ghalibaf in lead among potential candidates</a>

The two countries recently signed a significant 10-year agreement that allows India to operate the Chabahar port, which provides India with connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;This deal is expected to enhance trade and connectivity further between the two countries.

The Iran ambassador pointed out, "Throughout history, Iran and&nbsp;India have been together and have shared profound bonds, standing by each other in times of both joy and sorrow."&nbsp;

In a solemn reflection, Ambassador Elahi also acknowledged the unwavering support and sympathy extended by the Indian government and people of India in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in May that resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials.

"The unwavering support, and sympathy of the Indian government and the people of India following the martyrdom of our esteemed president and minister of foreign affairs will forever be etched in the memory of the Iranian people," he stated.

The accident had sent shockwaves throughout the region and the world. Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited the country to offer condolences on behalf of India.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term. In a congratulatory message on the occasion of Eid Ul Adha, Ambassador Elahi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Indian government and its people for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government. He remarked, "I am hopeful that under the continued leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Modi, relations between the two old nations will continue and strengthen during the third term." Also read | Iranian presidential election race: Poll shows Parliament speaker Ghalibaf in lead among potential candidates The two countries recently signed a significant 10-year agreement that allows India to operate the Chabahar port, which provides India with connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia. This deal is expected to enhance trade and connectivity further between the two countries. The Iran ambassador pointed out, "Throughout history, Iran and India have been together and have shared profound bonds, standing by each other in times of both joy and sorrow." In a solemn reflection, Ambassador Elahi also acknowledged the unwavering support and sympathy extended by the Indian government and people of India in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in May that resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials. "The unwavering support, and sympathy of the Indian government and the people of India following the martyrdom of our esteemed president and minister of foreign affairs will forever be etched in the memory of the Iranian people," he stated. The accident had sent shockwaves throughout the region and the world. Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited the country to offer condolences on behalf of India.

Iranian Ambassador Elahi sees India-Iran ties growing under Modi's 3rd term

Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani has said that his country is willing to export oil to India and sees "no impediment" in that. The minister is in Delhi for two&nbsp;days and held talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kani said, "We are ready to revive the same transactions that we have regarding the supply of energy sources, contribute to the energy security of India, to have an effective role in it."

He emphasised the usage of national currencies, the Rupee-Rial, for trade between the two&nbsp;countries. He also spoke on the protests in his country pointing to Iran being a "free society" that is suffering because of western sanctions. He said, "Today, the Iranian economy, and infrastructure are impacted. These sanctions are illegal."

He spoke on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the Turkish strikes in Northern Syria among other issues.

WION: There are protests in Iran, if you can talk about that, how has the situation been

Bagheri Kani: The developments you are mentioning are a natural phenomenon in the countries that are governed by the principles of democracy. Based on our religious beliefs and the principles of our constitution, it is the right of the people to criticise, raise objections&nbsp;and religious mandates to object. People should not be indifferent towards the developments in the society. So, I would stress that criticism is a natural phenomenon in a vibrant society like Iran. I would like to stress that women play a very pivotal and critical role in Iranian society. They have played an important role in different spheres of Iran's society, from scientific, social, economic, and political domains. We need to pay attention to different and special attention to what some western regimes are imposing in relation to developments in Iran. They consider themselves the defenders of human rights but during the past year they have been engaged in the biggest violation of human rights against the people of Iran, they have followed the policy of maximum pressure that was initiated by a madman, Trump. The European regimes have been implementers of those policies, following the massive sanctions against the Iranian people. They have created a lot of damage. Today the Iranian economy and infrastructure are impacted. These sanctions are illegal. Because of these sanctions we have seen that many people in Iran who are suffering from hemophilia, thalassemia, the children, innocent children have not been able to access the necessary pharmaceuticals&nbsp;and many of them have fallen prey to these sanctions. These sanctions are denying the basic human rights of the Iranian people which should be noted. So, you heard the name of Mahsa Amini and reflected in your reports but there are others who have fallen prey because necessary pharmaceuticals were denied to them, they were suffering from thalassemia, and they died. Many Iranian children have fallen prey to the consequences of sanctions followed by western regimes. The main reason the names are not heard in your media is that western media are intermediaries between us and independent nations and countries like India. So independent media, like media in India, should get news directly so that they can access real developments, and real stories of our country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lt-gen-asim-munir-named-pakistans-new-army-chief-536997">Lt Gen Asim Munir named Pakistan’s new army chief &nbsp;</a>

WION: We have seen people being killed, your soccer team did not sing the Iran national anthem, what would you say to that?

Bagheri Kani:&nbsp;The national anthem, which is customary, sometimes the soccer team members&nbsp;whisper, I don't think that is a sign of showing anything. This is customary, some whisper, and some don't whisper. This is one of the deceptions on part of western media, they are having own view of things.

WION: Protesters, women protesters don't want to wear the headscarf, what would you say about that, and does it go against your culture?

Bagheri Kani: Iran is a free society and people enjoy the freedom of expression. The viewpoints, women, men, and different age groups within the framework of Iranian laws, and constitution, are free to express views and perspectives based on rules and regulations.

WION: How do you see India's stance on the issue?

Bagheri Kani: The Indian government has its own independent perspective regarding the developments in Iran and other countries. That is natural for the India&nbsp;to adopt a position that is not in line with the interest of western regimes. In other areas, we have seen India adopting independent perspectives that are in line with the interest of the nation. For example, look at the position adopted by India&nbsp;in relation to sanctions on Russia that is not following the step of the western regime and that is emanating from a position that is rooted in the interest of the Indian nation and serving the interest of Indian nation, that is showing the smartness on the part of your government.

WION: How do you see India-Iran relations and any plans to resume oil trade, oil from Iran to India

Bagheri Kani:&nbsp;In regards to Iran, we see no impediment regarding exporting Iranian energy sources to India and we are ready to revive the same transactions that we have regard to the supply of energy sources, contributing to the energy security of India, to have an effective role in it.

WION: Are you looking at trading in local currencies, Rupee-Rial

Bagheri Kani: See, one of the important infrastructures that need to be strengthened in line with multilateralism in the world is to strengthen the financial and banking mechanism that is not based on the western banking mechanism. Transactions like in rupee, the rial. We are supporting the activation of financial and banking mechanisms, naturally to revive this mechanism, one that paves the way is the supply of energy sources from Iran to India.

WION: Any update on the JCPOA? You held talks with EAM on that. Has Iran increased its enrichment of uranium and use of advanced centrifuges at two nuclear sites?

Bagheri Kani: You pointed to talks with EAM Jaishankar on that, in that conversation we reviewed the latest development in our nuclear negotiations between Iran and other parties but regarding the enrichment activities that we are doing are in line with Iranian rights, also in line with international principles enshrined in NPT, based on the IAEA charter, and also safeguards agreements as regards to agreements and pacts. Regarding Iran's nuclear activities, we are following activities based on national interest, and the framework of international documents raised. All our activities are following international regulations and laws and are in line with the rights of the Iranian nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-clamps-lockdown-in-zhengzhou-following-violent-protests-at-iphone-factory-536945">China locks down Zhengzhou after iPhone plant protest, Foxconn apologises over hiring</a>

WION: Your stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how you see India's stance. Will it change global geopolitics?

Bagheri Kani: Iran has declared that it is against the war, and it is not throwing its weight behind any party. We are supporting political solution that is based on reasonable initiatives. What I would like to stress, the war in Ukraine is a conspiracy done by the US to undermine Russia and by extension Europe. You must pay attention to the policy and attitude of Trump in relation to Europe. Trump endeavored to undermine Europe. Trump's way was a hard attitude, but Biden is soft, but they are following the same objective. So I would like to stress how independent powers like India and Iran should follow, their frameworks are the same, especially under SCO to strengthen the international system that is based on justice, also in the interest of independent powers and against unilateralism. Not allow unilateralism to be strengthened because of the consequences of the conflict that is being waged in that part of the world. But I believe the final consequence of the war is the weakening of the US itself. Independent countries are the final winners of this conflict. So continued interaction between independent powers like Iran&nbsp;and India is necessary and a must.

WION: There have been strikes by Turkey in Northern Syria, your reactions to it..

Bagheri Kani: We have serious and effective cooperation and interaction with the legitimate government in Syria in the same way India&nbsp;has the same type of interaction with the legitimate government of Syria.

Sidhant Sibal: But how do you see the Turkish strikes

Bagheri Kani: We do not approve of any kind of intervention in the internal affairs of Syria, and we are engaged with other countries in the region under various formats like the Astana format. We are supporting the territorial integrity, interest of the Syrian people, and national interest based on international regulation.

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Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani has said that his country is willing to export oil to India and sees "no impediment" in that. The minister is in Delhi for two days and held talks with External Affairs Minister Dr.

Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani has said that his country is willing to export oil to India and sees "no impediment" in that. The minister is in Delhi for two days and held talks with External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Wednesday. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Kani said, "We are ready to revive the same transactions that we have regarding the supply of energy sources, contribute to the energy security of India, to have an effective role in it." He emphasised the usage of national currencies, the Rupee-Rial, for trade between the two countries. He also spoke on the protests in his country pointing to Iran being a "free society" that is suffering because of western sanctions. He said, "Today, the Iranian economy, and infrastructure are impacted. These sanctions are illegal." He spoke on the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the Turkish strikes in Northern Syria among other issues. WION: There are protests in Iran, if you can talk about that, how has the situation been Bagheri Kani: The developments you are mentioning are a natural phenomenon in the countries that are governed by the principles of democracy. Based on our religious beliefs and the principles of our constitution, it is the right of the people to criticise, raise objections and religious mandates to object. People should not be indifferent towards the developments in the society. So, I would stress that criticism is a natural phenomenon in a vibrant society like Iran. I would like to stress that women play a very pivotal and critical role in Iranian society. They have played an important role in different spheres of Iran's society, from scientific, social, economic, and political domains. We need to pay attention to different and special attention to what some western regimes are imposing in relation to developments in Iran. They consider themselves the defenders of human rights but during the past year they have been engaged in the biggest violation of human rights against the people of Iran, they have followed the policy of maximum pressure that was initiated by a madman, Trump. The European regimes have been implementers of those policies, following the massive sanctions against the Iranian people. They have created a lot of damage. Today the Iranian economy and infrastructure are impacted. These sanctions are illegal. Because of these sanctions we have seen that many people in Iran who are suffering from hemophilia, thalassemia, the children, innocent children have not been able to access the necessary pharmaceuticals and many of them have fallen prey to these sanctions. These sanctions are denying the basic human rights of the Iranian people which should be noted. So, you heard the name of Mahsa Amini and reflected in your reports but there are others who have fallen prey because necessary pharmaceuticals were denied to them, they were suffering from thalassemia, and they died. Many Iranian children have fallen prey to the consequences of sanctions followed by western regimes. The main reason the names are not heard in your media is that western media are intermediaries between us and independent nations and countries like India. So independent media, like media in India, should get news directly so that they can access real developments, and real stories of our country. Also read | Lt Gen Asim Munir named Pakistan’s new army chief WION: We have seen people being killed, your soccer team did not sing the Iran national anthem, what would you say to that? Bagheri Kani: The national anthem, which is customary, sometimes the soccer team members whisper, I don't think that is a sign of showing anything. This is customary, some whisper, and some don't whisper. This is one of the deceptions on part of western media, they are having own view of things. WION: Protesters, women protesters don't want to wear the headscarf, what would you say about that, and does it go against your culture? Bagheri Kani: Iran is a free society and people enjoy the freedom of expression. The viewpoints, women, men, and different age groups within the framework of Iranian laws, and constitution, are free to express views and perspectives based on rules and regulations. WION: How do you see India's stance on the issue? Bagheri Kani: The Indian government has its own independent perspective regarding the developments in Iran and other countries. That is natural for the India to adopt a position that is not in line with the interest of western regimes. In other areas, we have seen India adopting independent perspectives that are in line with the interest of the nation. For example, look at the position adopted by India in relation to sanctions on Russia that is not following the step of the western regime and that is emanating from a position that is rooted in the interest of the Indian nation and serving the interest of Indian nation, that is showing the smartness on the part of your government. WION: How do you see India-Iran relations and any plans to resume oil trade, oil from Iran to India Bagheri Kani: In regards to Iran, we see no impediment regarding exporting Iranian energy sources to India and we are ready to revive the same transactions that we have regard to the supply of energy sources, contributing to the energy security of India, to have an effective role in it. WION: Are you looking at trading in local currencies, Rupee-Rial Bagheri Kani: See, one of the important infrastructures that need to be strengthened in line with multilateralism in the world is to strengthen the financial and banking mechanism that is not based on the western banking mechanism. Transactions like in rupee, the rial. We are supporting the activation of financial and banking mechanisms, naturally to revive this mechanism, one that paves the way is the supply of energy sources from Iran to India. WION: Any update on the JCPOA? You held talks with EAM on that. Has Iran increased its enrichment of uranium and use of advanced centrifuges at two nuclear sites? Bagheri Kani: You pointed to talks with EAM Jaishankar on that, in that conversation we reviewed the latest development in our nuclear negotiations between Iran and other parties but regarding the enrichment activities that we are doing are in line with Iranian rights, also in line with international principles enshrined in NPT, based on the IAEA charter, and also safeguards agreements as regards to agreements and pacts. Regarding Iran's nuclear activities, we are following activities based on national interest, and the framework of international documents raised. All our activities are following international regulations and laws and are in line with the rights of the Iranian nation. Also read | China locks down Zhengzhou after iPhone plant protest, Foxconn apologises over hiring WION: Your stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how you see India's stance. Will it change global geopolitics? Bagheri Kani: Iran has declared that it is against the war, and it is not throwing its weight behind any party. We are supporting political solution that is based on reasonable initiatives. What I would like to stress, the war in Ukraine is a conspiracy done by the US to undermine Russia and by extension Europe. You must pay attention to the policy and attitude of Trump in relation to Europe. Trump endeavored to undermine Europe. Trump's way was a hard attitude, but Biden is soft, but they are following the same objective. So I would like to stress how independent powers like India and Iran should follow, their frameworks are the same, especially under SCO to strengthen the international system that is based on justice, also in the interest of independent powers and against unilateralism. Not allow unilateralism to be strengthened because of the consequences of the conflict that is being waged in that part of the world. But I believe the final consequence of the war is the weakening of the US itself. Independent countries are the final winners of this conflict. So continued interaction between independent powers like Iran and India is necessary and a must. WION: There have been strikes by Turkey in Northern Syria, your reactions to it.. Bagheri Kani: We have serious and effective cooperation and interaction with the legitimate government in Syria in the same way India has the same type of interaction with the legitimate government of Syria. Sidhant Sibal: But how do you see the Turkish strikes Bagheri Kani: We do not approve of any kind of intervention in the internal affairs of Syria, and we are engaged with other countries in the region under various formats like the Astana format. We are supporting the territorial integrity, interest of the Syrian people, and national interest based on international regulation.

Ready to revive oil exports to India, says Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Bagheri Kani

Even as the debate on ties with China is ongoing in Iran, there is a bigger potential for Tehran to have relations with India, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday.

He was responding to a question about the growing proximity between Iran and China, in an exclusive interview with WION Executive Editor Palki Sharma.

Under former president Hassan Rouhani, Iran had elevated its ties with China. A pact worth $400 billion was signed, defining the roadmap of future relations for the next 25 years.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Ahmadinejad said: “I think the potential for cooperation between Iran and India is far more than the capacity of the contract between Iran and China now being discussed.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghanistan-dialogues-former-iran-prez-mahmoud-ahmadinejad-speaks-to-wion-on-afghan-crisis-411575">WATCH |</a>

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“It is the best for nations to have relations with each

other and utilise the maximum potential. But I believe that the capacity that exists between Iran and India is much higher than relationships with other countries.”

Asked how Iran-China ties &nbsp;will affect other partners like India, Ahmedinejad said there’s been a lot of debate over China, “and it is ongoing.”

"As I said before, with any agreement justice and respect should be observed. The rights of the two parties should be balanced. Regarding the China deal, no clear information has been published in Iran, that is why Iranian people look at it with doubt."

Noting the deep cultural linkages that exist between India and Iran, the former president said there are a lot of potential areas of cooperation.

“The volume of communications we have today, compared to the potential and common interests, is extremely small," said Ahmadinejad, who launched the proposed ‘peace pipeline’ between India and Iran when he was president.

“As a fundamental strategy, we need to do our best to ensure that we utilise the maximum available capacity.”

“We love the people of India very much. When we travel to India, we feel we are at home,” he said, adding. “The people of India are extremely lovely. They are so kind. There’s cultural proximity shared among the two nations.”

Asked if the new administration of incoming president Ebrahim Raisi is going to take forward ties with India, Ahmadinejad said, &nbsp;“that’s the strategy that the two countries need to pursue and there is no other way except this.”

Part of the interview will air on WION on Tuesday at 3:30 PM GMT.

<o:p></o:p>

Even as the debate on ties with China is ongoing in Iran, there is a bigger potential for Tehran to have relations with India, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday.

Even as the debate on ties with China is ongoing in Iran, there is a bigger potential for Tehran to have relations with India, former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday. He was responding to a question about the growing proximity between Iran and China, in an exclusive interview with WION Executive Editor Palki Sharma. Under former president Hassan Rouhani, Iran had elevated its ties with China. A pact worth $400 billion was signed, defining the roadmap of future relations for the next 25 years. Asked about this, Ahmadinejad said: “I think the potential for cooperation between Iran and India is far more than the capacity of the contract between Iran and China now being discussed.” WATCH | “It is the best for nations to have relations with each other and utilise the maximum potential. But I believe that the capacity that exists between Iran and India is much higher than relationships with other countries.” Asked how Iran-China ties will affect other partners like India, Ahmedinejad said there’s been a lot of debate over China, “and it is ongoing.” "As I said before, with any agreement justice and respect should be observed. The rights of the two parties should be balanced. Regarding the China deal, no clear information has been published in Iran, that is why Iranian people look at it with doubt." Noting the deep cultural linkages that exist between India and Iran, the former president said there are a lot of potential areas of cooperation. “The volume of communications we have today, compared to the potential and common interests, is extremely small," said Ahmadinejad, who launched the proposed ‘peace pipeline’ between India and Iran when he was president. “As a fundamental strategy, we need to do our best to ensure that we utilise the maximum available capacity.” “We love the people of India very much. When we travel to India, we feel we are at home,” he said, adding. “The people of India are extremely lovely. They are so kind. There’s cultural proximity shared among the two nations.” Asked if the new administration of incoming president Ebrahim Raisi is going to take forward ties with India, Ahmadinejad said, “that’s the strategy that the two countries need to pursue and there is no other way except this.” Part of the interview will air on WION on Tuesday at 3:30 PM GMT.

Exclusive: India has more potential than China for ties with Iran: Former Iranian prez Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port.&nbsp;

The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar.

The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port"

India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar.

Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan.&nbsp;

MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line."

The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction &amp; Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament.

The Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar in Iran built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo and 8200 containers since December 2018, the ministry of external affairs has told the Indian parliament. It was in the year 2018, an Indian company--India ports Global which had taken over the operations of the port. The port has played a key role in connecting India with Afghanistan. So far, in this financial year starting April 2020, India has sent 53,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan. The country is sending 75,000 tons of wheat to Afghanistan as part of its COVID-19 support and eight consignments have already been shipped via Chabahar. The MEA said in a written response to the Parliament that,"In the recent past, there has been a rise in transit cargo for Afghanistan through Chabahar...Afghanistan’s exports to India are also routed via Chabahar Port" India, as part of a trilateral agreement with Tehran and Kabul, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2016 Iran visit started developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti port in Chabahar. Meanwhile, New Delhi has affirmed that it continues to be part of Chabahar-Zahedan railway line, that connects the Iran port to the border town of Zahedan on Iran Afghanistan border. The line will further connect India with Afghanistan. MEA, in another response to another question in the Indian parliament, said, "The two sides remain engaged on this matter....India and Iran continue to cooperate on developmental projects in Iran, including the Chabahar-Zahedan railway line." The development of the railway line was also agreed during Indian PM's Iran visit with an MoU being signed between Indian Railways’ IRCON and Iranian Railways’ CDTIC --Construction & Development of Transportation Infrastructures Company.

Iran's Shahid Beheshti built by India has handled 12 lakh tons of cargo since 2018

India and Iran on Monday reviewed bilateral cooperation on key issues like ongoing connectivity and infrastructure development projects including development of Shahid Behesthi Port, and full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement (Chabahar Agreement) between the two countries along with Afghanistan.

The first shipment from Afghanistan under the TIR Convention through Iran's Chabahar Port arrived at India's Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai and Mundra port in Gujarat in March this year.

During the 16th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Iran here, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale led the Indian delegation and Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi led the Iranian side.

"It was agreed to maintain the momentum of mutually beneficial multifaceted bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two sides and to hold the next round of Joint Commission Meeting at the level of External Affairs Minister at an early date in Iran," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The next round of Foreign Office consultations will be held in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates, the MEA said.

India and Iran on Monday reviewed bilateral cooperation on key issues like ongoing connectivity and infrastructure development projects including development of Shahid Behesthi Port, and full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement (Chabahar Agreement) between the two countries along with Afghanistan.

India and Iran on Monday reviewed bilateral cooperation on key issues like ongoing connectivity and infrastructure development projects including development of Shahid Behesthi Port, and full operationalisation of the Trilateral Transit Agreement (Chabahar Agreement) between the two countries along with Afghanistan. The first shipment from Afghanistan under the TIR Convention through Iran's Chabahar Port arrived at India's Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai and Mundra port in Gujarat in March this year. During the 16th round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Iran here, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale led the Indian delegation and Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi led the Iranian side. "It was agreed to maintain the momentum of mutually beneficial multifaceted bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two sides and to hold the next round of Joint Commission Meeting at the level of External Affairs Minister at an early date in Iran," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The next round of Foreign Office consultations will be held in New Delhi on mutually convenient dates, the MEA said.

Iran, India review operationalisation of development projects, including Chabahar

India has for the first time allowed state refiners to buy 35 per cent of their oil imports in tankers arranged by the seller, a document reviewed by Reuters showed, enabling them to swiftly tap cheaper cargoes.&nbsp;

The move will help refiners in Iran's second-biggest oil market to boost purchases from alternative sources as US&nbsp;President Donald Trump prepares to halt Iranian oil sales through a new set of sanctions from November 4.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/oil-forecasts-call-100-india-considers-cutting-back-crude-imports-167591">As oil forecasts call for $100, India considers cutting back crude imports</a>

The measure is part of a series of attempts by the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer to cut its surging oil import bill in the face of rising oil prices and a weaker Indian rupee.

India had previously allowed state-refiners to buy only 15.48 per cent of their estimated 118.15 million tonnes of oil imports in the current fiscal year to March 31 on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis, meaning the seller arranges the vessel and insurance. The rest was largely procured on a Free on Board (FOB) basis to help Indian shipping lines and insurers.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-hit-four-year-high-opec-russia-resist-output-rise-167549">International oil prices hit </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-hit-four-year-high-opec-russia-resist-output-rise-167549">four-year</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/international-oil-prices-hit-four-year-high-opec-russia-resist-output-rise-167549"> high as OPEC, Russia resist output rise</a>

More than doubling the percentage of CIF cargoes the refiners can buy gives them much greater flexibility to take advantage of more speculative or distressed sellers who need to sell their oil quickly.

This also indicates that Indian refiners will be in a position to purchase more US oil, which is mostly available on a CIF basis, helping to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil supplies. US&nbsp;crude is currently trading at a discount of about $10 a barrel to the Brent global benchmark price.

"Basically that (the new higher limit) has increased flexibility (for us) to look at opportunities that are available around the world and buy most economic cargoes," said one source at an Indian refinery who asked not to be named.

"It was difficult for us to take advantage of the situation when traders or companies are going around with material in the ships," this source said. 
India's shipping ministry told the country's oil ministry about the move in a letter dated Sept 19.

"Advance NOC (no objection certificate) is now granted to oill marketing companies to further import crude up to 23.07 million tonnes (balance 19.52 per cent)," it said.

India has for the first time allowed state refiners to buy 35 per cent of their oil imports in tankers arranged by the seller, a document reviewed by Reuters showed, enabling them to swiftly tap cheaper cargoes.

India has for the first time allowed state refiners to buy 35 per cent of their oil imports in tankers arranged by the seller, a document reviewed by Reuters showed, enabling them to swiftly tap cheaper cargoes. The move will help refiners in Iran's second-biggest oil market to boost purchases from alternative sources as US President Donald Trump prepares to halt Iranian oil sales through a new set of sanctions from November 4. Also read: As oil forecasts call for $100, India considers cutting back crude imports The measure is part of a series of attempts by the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer to cut its surging oil import bill in the face of rising oil prices and a weaker Indian rupee. India had previously allowed state-refiners to buy only 15.48 per cent of their estimated 118.15 million tonnes of oil imports in the current fiscal year to March 31 on a Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis, meaning the seller arranges the vessel and insurance. The rest was largely procured on a Free on Board (FOB) basis to help Indian shipping lines and insurers. Also read: International oil prices hit four-year high as OPEC, Russia resist output rise More than doubling the percentage of CIF cargoes the refiners can buy gives them much greater flexibility to take advantage of more speculative or distressed sellers who need to sell their oil quickly. This also indicates that Indian refiners will be in a position to purchase more US oil, which is mostly available on a CIF basis, helping to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil supplies. US crude is currently trading at a discount of about $10 a barrel to the Brent global benchmark price. "Basically that (the new higher limit) has increased flexibility (for us) to look at opportunities that are available around the world and buy most economic cargoes," said one source at an Indian refinery who asked not to be named. "It was difficult for us to take advantage of the situation when traders or companies are going around with material in the ships," this source said. India's shipping ministry told the country's oil ministry about the move in a letter dated Sept 19. "Advance NOC (no objection certificate) is now granted to oill marketing companies to further import crude up to 23.07 million tonnes (balance 19.52 per cent)," it said.

India eases oil import rules as it seeks to cut costs

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