May 04, 2013

The 17th Session of the India-Iran Joint Commission was held in Tehran on May 4, 2013. The Session was co-chaired by H.E. Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Iran and by H.E. Mr. Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister of India.

H.E. Mr. Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister called on the Iranian President, H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He also had meetings with H.E. Dr. Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to the Supreme Leader and H.E. Dr. Ali Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis.

The two sides discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. They discussed Indian participation in Chahbahar Port project which will provide connectivity with Afghanistan and will give an impetus to Afghanistan\'s economic development. They also discussed the developing situation in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact. They reaffirmed their support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. The two sides also reiterated the importance of greater connectivity between Russia, Central and South Asia through the International North South Transport Corridor(INSTC).

The two sides reiterated importance of enhancing cooperation in expanding trade and banking relations. The two sides agreed to study the prospects of joint investment in both countries. The two sides, while noting their capabilities in the industrial sector, agreed to diversify their cooperation in this regard.

On developments in Syria, the two sides strongly expressed deep concern on the continuing and unabated violence and called upon all sides in Syria to abjure violence and resolve all issues peacefully through discussions taking in to account the aspirations of people of Syria. In this regard, they supported the Geneva Communiqué which includes the 6-Point Plan of Kofi Annan and welcomed the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi.

H.E. Mr. Salman Khurshid inaugurated the Indian Cultural Centre inTehran on May 3, 2013.

During the visit, the two sides also signed the following Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs):

1.    MOU between Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Islamic Republic of Iran (ISIRI) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
   
2.    MOU between the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, Republic of India and School of International Relations,Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran.
   
3.    MOU between the Government of Republic of India and the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran on cooperation in the field of water resources management.

Tehran
May 4, 2013