Iran, India emphasize expanding ties; Sanctions remain key obstacle to bilateral trade

Pars Today – On the eve of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and India, officials from both countries at the 20th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission stressed the need to expand cooperation despite existing challenges.
Leading a diplomatic delegation, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, traveled to New Delhi to meet with senior Indian officials and discuss bilateral issues, regional developments, and international affairs. 
Sanctions; A barrier to economic relations 
At the 20th session of the “Joint Commission” between Iran and India, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, referred to the historical ties between the two nations, stating: “Tehran and New Delhi’s relations have always been based on mutual respect and shared interests. However, due to the unjust U.S. sanctions, the level of economic exchanges between the two countries has not expanded.” He expressed hope that through the efforts of Tehran and New Delhi, economic challenges facing Iran and India would be resolved in the near future.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, also highlighted recent progress in bilateral cooperation and announced New Delhi’s readiness to explore new opportunities for collaboration with Iran. 
 Chabahar; A shared priority for Iran and India 
Araghchi described the implementation of the Chabahar Agreement as one of the main priorities for Iran and India, advocating for the full utilization of the port’s capacities. He told his Indian counterpart that Chabahar could serve as a model for broader cooperation. Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the project and noting ongoing efforts by both countries to operationalize various aspects of the agreement. 
Iran’s concern over India-Pakistan tensions 
On the sidelines of the 20th Joint Economic Commission meeting, Araghchi addressed recent tensions between India and Pakistan, stressing the importance of stability in South Asia. He stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran hopes that with foresight from the leaders of both countries, these tensions will soon subside.” Jaishankar described India’s recent strikes on terrorist positions in Kashmir as a “proportionate response,” adding that while India does not seek to escalate tensions, it will respond decisively to any attacks. 
Meeting with senior Indian officials 
During his visit to India, Araghchi met with Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, for discussions. Both parties emphasized the need to expand multilateral cooperation within frameworks such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Araghchi with Droupadi Murmu, President of India
 
Signing of two cooperation agreements 
At the conclusion of the Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit to India, two cooperation agreements were signed between representatives of the two countries in the fields of customs and food and pharmaceutical health standards. These agreements could pave the way for facilitating trade exchanges and enhancing technical cooperation between Iran and India. 
Future of relations; Opportunities and challenges 
Despite sanctions, Iran and India have vast potential for cooperation in areas such as energy, transit, and pharmaceuticals. The Chabahar Agreement and collaboration in multilateral organizations could lay the groundwork for a transformation in bilateral relations. However, addressing the issue of sanctions and reducing regional tensions will be key factors in achieving these goals. 
MG