New Delhi, April 5, IRNA
An Indian scholar said on Thursday that trade is a 'useful instrument to strengthen ties between India and Iran.
In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Professor Basir Ahmed Khan, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi said: "For the benefits of their national interests and that of the region, India and Iran should develop trade and economic cooperation."
He said that the stronger economic cooperation between the two friendly nations will pave the way to stronger political dialogue. And which in turn will ensure regional peace and security, Basir added.
Referring to the US threat to impose economic sanctions on India for importing crude oil from Iran, Indian Scholar ridiculed the threat and asked that why India or any other country should act in accordance with American wishes? He termed the threat a "clear frustration".
Appreciating India's stand not to reduce oil import from Iran, Indian academician noted that any sovereign country will not agree to what the US says. They will have to put forth their national interests and to meet their energy needs. And that's what India is doing.
Basir, a former Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Jamia Hamdard University, rejecting the sanctions being imposed by Europe and the US on Iran, said: "Regional countries should ignore unilateral sanctions and should work together for economic development and prosperity of the region and that will be befitted reply to their US and European hegemonic policies.
© IRNA 2012
