Iranian President Hassan Rouhani moots to strengthen ties between Iran and India

Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani has emphasised strengthening regional cooperation, particularly between Iran and India, which have cultural ties for centuries. He felt that strong bond, particularly in the sphere of technology and energy between the two nations would be in the interests of progressive and stronger Asia. 

Addressing a large congregation of Muslims at the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad after Friday prayers, the Iranian President said that India sets an example as to how different kinds of religions can coexist peacefully. 

He said that the people in India, despite practicing different religions and beliefs are bound by the spirituality and moral obligation towards others. In contrast, he said (referring to firing incident in the US) in the West there was degradation of values, where anyone can shoot anyone.

He said that given the historic nature of ties between India and Iran, it was high time that both countries made efforts to increase cooperation in industry, agriculture and emerging technology sectors. Iran is ready to share its oil, gas and energy resources with India, since Iran



was a country rich in oil, gas and energy. “Iran is ready to share its oil, gas and energy with India,” he said.

Rouhani said that the Chabahar seaport, being developed by India will benefit wider cooperation and provide access to India for its increased trade with Afghanistan, Central Asia and Europe.Referring to visa restrictions being imposed by some countries on Iran, he said on the contrary, Iran was ready to extend complete cooperation for issuing visas to people from all countries.  “Our only aim is to promote unity among Muslims of the world. The enemies of Islam do not want Muslims to remain united. If Muslim countries were united, the President of America wouldn’t have dared to announce the holy City of Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel,” he added.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mehmood Ali, Minority Affairs Advisor to Government of Telangana A K Khan, Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, Chairman of Minority Finance Corporation Syed Akbar Hussain, Chairman of TS State Haj Committee Masiullah Khan and Islamic scholars representing different sects were present on this occasion.