India can count on Iran as reliable partner: Vice President

First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri said the Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to help India meet its energy needs, adding that Tehran can be a reliable partner for New Delhi in this respect.

According to Tasnim News Agency, speaking at a meeting with India's Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari in Tehran on Sunday, Jahangiri said bilateral relations between Iran and India have always been outstanding and important.

He further called for closer economic ties and said the Islamic Republic welcomes India’s participation in the implementation of oil industry projects.

What matters is that the interests of the two countries should be considered in the implementation of the projects, the vice-president added.

He also said Iran is fully prepared to supply India’s energy needs and can be reliable partner for the country in this field.

The Indian minister, for his part, said there are many opportunities in the oil and petrochemical sectors for closer cooperation between Iran and India.

Last week, in a congratulatory message to his new Indian counterpart, President Hassan Rouhani stressed the need for the enhancement of relations between the two countries given the history of their cordial cooperation.

In a message on July 27, President Rouhani congratulated India’s new President Ram Nath Kovind on taking the office.

The history of cordial cooperation between Iran and India as well as their rich cultures and age-old civilizations make the expansion of bilateral ties “a strategic necessity” in order to open a new chapter in the relations, President Rouhani said.

He further expressed the hope that the Indian president’s tenure would mark closer interaction between Tehran and New Delhi in various fields.

SS