Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Monday.
The two sides had detailed discussions on the situation in the neighbourhood, terrorism and the proposed gas pipeline.
This is the first high-level visit since the re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in July.
“The two sides underlined the need for the early convening of the next session of the Joint Commission and discussed various projects including in the fields of oil and gas, power, surface transport and infrastructure projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Corridor,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“The two sides also took the opportunity to exchange views on key regional and international issues, including the threat of terrorism confronting the two countries,” the Ministry said.
The situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan were discussed in detail. “Both countries are victims of terrorism emanating from one country .... We need to counsel Pakistan to dismantle terror camps operating from its soil,” a senior official said.
On Afghanistan too, the two countries share similar views and it is a well-known fact that Tehran is opposed to Taliban.
{{/usCountry}}On Afghanistan too, the two countries share similar views and it is a well-known fact that Tehran is opposed to Taliban.
{{/usCountry}}“It was agreed that an Indian Cultural Centre would be set up in Tehran and an Indian cultural week would be held in Tehran and Shiraz in 2010. Both sides also discussed ... the need for an early conclusion of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, an agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation, as also discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement,” the MEA said.