India and Iran: Common Interests and a Commitment to Regional Stability
Noting India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said there are many common interests between the two countries and diplomacy means resolving contradictions. “Diplomacy means removing contradictions. We should focus on our common interests and work to remove contradictions,” he said.
Shared goals and regional cooperation
- Peace and stability: Both India and Iran are committed to regional peace and stability. They share a common vision of the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Afghanistan and support efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
- Nuclear program: India and Iran share the same stance on Iran’s nuclear program, advocating for a diplomatic solution that addresses international concerns while respecting Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
- Trade and economy: There is significant potential to boost trade and economic relations between India and Iran. Both countries are committed to promoting regional trade and economic cooperation, such as through the development of the Chabahar port.
High-level engagement and the path forward
- Diplomacy and dialogue: Jaishankar emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving differences and finding common ground. He highlighted the ongoing high-level exchanges between India and Iran, including his recent visit to Tehran, as a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations.
- Future cooperation: India and Iran are planning to further enhance their cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure development. The upcoming visit of the Iranian Foreign Minister to India will provide an opportunity to discuss these areas in more detail.
the relationship between India and Iran is on a positive trajectory. Both countries share several common interests and are committed to working together to address regional challenges and promote peace and stability. The ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the two countries is an encouraging sign for the future of their relationship.
