In a Saturday meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Rouhani proposed plans for “strategic cooperation” with India, saying Iran can supply the South Asian nation with energy within the framework of long-term contracts.
“Such long-term contracts in the energy and transportation sectors will turn the two countries into strategic and reliable partners,” he added.
Referring to Iran’s southeastern port city of Chabahar as a gateway that connects India to Afghanistan, Central Asia and East Europe, Rouhani said Iran could make the port part of a “strategic route” by entering trilateral and multilateral agreements.
He further voiced Iran’s readiness for cultural cooperation with India as part of joint efforts to counter the roots of terrorism, extremism and violence.
Modi, for his part, welcomed the idea of long-term interaction with Iran, saying Indian companies are ready to increase investment in Iran’s oil and gas industry.
Highlighting the significance of Iran’s Chabahar port in reshaping regional trade, he said India has begun exporting wheat to Afghanistan via the Iranian port by the Sea of Oman.
Heading a ranking diplomatic and economic delegation, Rouhani began his 3-day visit to India with a trip to Hyderabad on Thursday.
The Iranian president received a formal welcome ceremony from the president and prime minister of India in New Delhi on Saturday morning, after paying tribute to late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi in his memorial.