Tehran (Iran) : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held delegation-level talks with her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif here on Sunday aimed at improving bilateral ties between both nations.
“A conference of civilizations. EAM @SushmaSwaraj and FM @JZarif hold delegation level talks on India Iran relations,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
“Returning an important call. After FM @JZarif’s visit to Delhi last year, he receives EAM at the Foreign Ministry,” he said in a series of tweets.
Swaraj, who is presently on a two-day visit to Iran, kick started engagement in Tehran by visiting a Gurudwara and Community School.
Addressing the community members here, Swaraj assured them that she would raise their issues of concern with the Iranian leadership.
“EAM @SushmaSwaraj assures community members she will raise issues of concern to them with the Iranian leadership,” Swarup tweeted.
“The Gurudwara, established in 1941, and the Indian school cater to the needs of the vibrant community in Tehran,” he said.
The visiting External Affairs Minister later interacted with the students at Kendriya Vidyalaya here.
“Indian curriculum, international outlook. EAM @SushmaSwaraj interacts with students at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Tehran,” Swarup tweeted.
Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and other delegates witnessed a cultural show performed by the students here in their welcome.
She also addressed the students here about the India – Iran relations.
“I am commencing my visit to Iran with a new energy after meeting w/ Indian community.EAM @SushmaSwaraj at KV, Tehran,” Swarup tweeted.
” EAM @SushmaSwaraj: Our centuries old & civilizational links w/ Iran have been strengthened by the cultural activities of the Indian school,” he said.
Swaraj’s visit comes at a time when economic superpowers such as Japan, China, the US and several European countries are heading to invest in Iran after Tehran invited the foreign companies for joint ventures in the oil and gas sector.
Iran is an important partner for India in terms of energy security, as Tehran has vast reserves of oil and natural gas. India currently imports close to 12 million tonnes of crude from Iran.
From Iran, Swaraj will depart for Moscow for a meeting of Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and China to be held on April 18.
According to reports, the three Foreign Ministers will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and discuss ways to push trilateral pragmatic cooperation forward.
Swaraj will join her Russian and Chinese counterparts — Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi, besides Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to exchange views and coordinate positions on international and regional issues of mutual interest. (ANI)