By IRNA,
New Delhi : Relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Republic of India, seem natural linkages between the ancient Persian civilization and ancient India, said Yoganand Shastri.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA on Monday, Shastri, Speaker of Delhi Assembly said: “Iran and India are ancient civilizations whose relations span centuries. Both nations are perfectly capable of managing all aspects of their relationship with the appropriate degree of care and attention”.
Besides civilizational linkages, Iran-India relations have traditionally been positive and, in January 2003, the two countries launched a “strategic partnership” with the signing of the “New Delhi Declaration” and seven other substantive agreements, noted Speaker.
“The two countries need each other economically. Iran has the world’s second largest gas reserves and India is one of the world’s largest gas importers. Moreover, strategically both have an incentive to cooperate against the rising terrorism in the region, said Shastri. He added that relations with Iran fit these demands for an Indian foreign policy that is not subservient to western nations.
Indian leader said that Iran and India have cooperated each other to secure their interests in Afghanistan. Both the countries have separately given substantial economic aid to Afghanistan. While Iran is assisting Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction through road building and other construction in the areas bordering Afghanistan. India is helping reconstruct well-known schools and buildings in Kabul including Darulaman Palace that will be the new parliament building and assisting with road construction in eastern Afghanistan. It is perhaps because of Indo-Iranian cooperation in stabilizing Afghanistan, he added.
“The civilizational and friendly ties between Iran and India which existed for thousands of years, cannot be weakened by concerns expressed by any third country”, said Speaker replying to a question. Fortunately, the officials of the two countries of Iran and India know their national and regional interests better, he added.
“Neither country needs any guidance on the future conduct of bilateral relations as both countries believe that engagement and dialogue alone lead to peace”, Indian leader concluded.