New Delhi - Welcoming the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif to New Delhi, an Indian academician Wednesday said: "Strengthening of India-Iran relations is extremely important".
Zarif will arrive in New Delhi on February 27 on a two-day visit. He is expected to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Professor Basir Ahmed Khan, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi said: "Maintaining civilizational and historical ties, India and Iran should foster their relations for a more stable, secure and prosperous region".
He noted that while the relations between India and Iran in its different aspects and dimensions have improved during the Twenty First century. But at the same time the US and Israel were putting up their shows to derail the growing ties. "But, these challenges can be foild by both countries by strengthening bilateral relations in diversified fields and contributing to regional cooperation," added Indian Scholar.
Basir, who is also the former Head of the Department of Islamic Studies in Hamdard University, further noted that Iran is politically and strategically important for India.
Elaborating on his remarks, the academician said: "Besides important sources of energy supplies for India, Iran can help India to achieve strategic depth in Afghanistan and Central Asia".
He went on to say that Chabahar Port and North-South Transport Corridor are critical engagement points between India and Iran for trade network. "By strengthening their relations in these specific projects, India and Iran can turn the table of US-sponsored economic isolation," asserted the Indian Scholar.
"Expectedly, the Foreign Ministers of the both countries will reaffirm the importance of mutually beneficial trade and transportation links as well as regional economic co-operation for progress and development of the entire region," he said.
Maintaining that India and Iran support efforts to resolve the situation in Syria through political and diplomatic means, Basir was optimistic that during Zarif's visit Syrian issue will find a place on the high table that will certainly help in finding out the solution for resolving the conflict.
© IRNA 2014
