India, Iran ink 9 pacts after 'substantive' talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran President Hassan Rouhani exchanged nine memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday. PM Modi thanked Iran President Hassan Rouhani for extending support in developing Chabahar Port in Iran. PM Modi and his counterpart discussed terrorism, drug trafficking and other challenges.

Addressing a joint press event with Rouhani, PM Modi said, "I travelled to Tehran in 2016 and now when you come here now, it deepens and strengthens our relationships."

Both the countries want to see safe and prosperous Afghanistan. "We want to see our neighbours free of terrorism," said PM Modi.

Hassan Rouhani, said, "The kindness accorded to us by the great govt of India, I once again thank the people and the government of India.. The relations between the two countries goes beyond trade and business, it goes back in history."

Iran President said, "We share views on two crucial issues - transit and economy. We want to develop railway relations between the two countries are seeing development of Chabahar Port."

Apart from tax pact, the two sides also exchanged instrument to ratify the extradition treaty as well as to simplify visa process. Earlier, Rouhani was given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the morning, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Rouhani and discussed various issues with him.

OneIndia News