PM Modi arrives in Iran; boosting trade, energy partnership high on agenda
Looking to strengthen trade, investment and energy ties with Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Tehran on a two-day visit, during which a crucial agreement is expected to be signed on developing the strategic Chabahar port.
Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister having visited Iran in the last 15 years, was received at the Mehrabad International Airport by Iran’s finance and economic affairs minister Ali Tayyebnia, after which he left for a local Gurudwara to meet people of Indian origin.
Formal talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani are scheduled for Monday morning after a ceremonial welcome for the Prime Minister. Rouhani will also host a lunch for him.
Modi will also call on Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well before his return.
Ahead of his arrival, Modi in a series of tweets said, “Enhancing connectivity, trade, investments, energy partnership, culture and people to people contacts would be our priority.”