New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated that India and Iran enjoy historical and cultural ties. Addressing a virtual media briefing, MEA spokesperson said, “India and Iran enjoy historical and cultural ties. We have been moving ahead with various new initiatives including connectivity such as Chabahar port. EAM Jaishankar is currently in Tehran to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of President Raisi. We will keep updated of his engagement in Tehran”.
EAM Jaishankar has arrived in Iran today for a two-day visit and is all set to represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran. This is Jaishankar’s second visit to Tehran within a month and it comes amid rising violence in Afghanistan between the Taliban and the Afghan security forces.
“At the invitation of the Government of Iran, External Affairs Minister will visit Iran on August 5 and 6 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect H.E. Ayatollah Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi on August 5, 2021. During his visit, EAM will call on the President, and on the sidelines, will also meet other leaders”, MEA had said in a statement.
During his visit, Jaishankar is expected to renew an invite to the Iranian leader to make an early visit to India. He is one of the 115 dignitaries and officials from 73 countries who will be taking part in the swearing-in ceremony of Raisi as the new Iranian president.
President-elect Ebrahim Raisi is to be sworn in on August 5, Thursday, following his election victory in June. Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric is known to be close to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He will assume office during a ceremony that would be attended by leaders from various countries. Raisi’s swearing-in ceremony comes amid growing challenges in Iran as the country is crippling under economic crisis due to US-led sanctions.
Iran is an important partner for India in the region. Amid the ongoing US troop withdrawal in Afghanistan that has created ruckus in the war-torn country, the role of both India and Iran is of utmost importance. Both sides have been jointly working in enhancing connectivity between South East Asia and Central Asia.
It is worth noting that last month, Dr S Jaishankar made a stopover in Tehran on his way to Russia for a three-day official visit. During his halt, he met with the government of Tehran including President-elect Ebrahim Raisi.
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