Sushma Swaraj leaves for home after two-nation visit

Moscow, Apr 19: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday left for home after winding up her four-day two-nation tour to Iran and Russia.

"Dasvidaniya Moscow! After a productive visit to Iran and Russia, EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs for Delhi," External Affair Ministry Spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

In Iran, Swaraj called on President Hassan Rouhani and held talks with her Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif, besides meeting with Supreme Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei's Advisor Ali Akbar Velayati and deliberated on a range of issues.

During the meeting, Rouhani assured Swaraj that his country can be a "reliable partner" for India's energy needs. The two nations also decided to significantly expand engagements in their overall ties, particularly in oil and gas sectors.

In Moscow, the Minister attended the Foreign Ministers meeting of RIC (Russia-India-China). During the meeting the three nations vowed to deepen cooperation in combating terrorism and pitched for setting up of a broad counter-terrorist front with the UN playing a central role.

She also held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. She also had a meeting with Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitryi Rogozin.

PTI