India, Iran ready to boost bilateral trade

In the first high level contact since New Delhi voted against Tehran at the February 4 International Atomic Energy Agency meeting, Iranian vice president Rahim Mashaee on Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and the two leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

Singh and Mashaee also agreed on the need for an early meeting of the India-Iran Joint Commission, external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

"The two leaders emphasised the importance they attach to the civilisational ties between the two countries and need for further strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector," he said.

Iran is a major source of oil and gas for India and the two countries are currently discussing establishment of a gas pipeline between them through Pakistan.

Singh and Mashaee, who is also chairman of Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organisation, agreed to promote the common cultural heritage of the two countries.

Deputy chairman of Iranian Cultural Herigate and Tourism Organisation Seyed Taha Hashemi and Iranian Ambassador S Z Yaghoubi were also present during the meeting.

Mashaee is visiting India to participate in the Amir Khusro International Seminar being organised by the Jamia Millia University. He will also visit cultural sites and centres in Agra, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.

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