<p>India and Iran on Saturday decided to give a major push to their bilateral ties in all aspects including connectivity for which New Delhi will participate in the upgradation of strategically crucial Chahbahar port.<br /><br /></p>.<p>During a meeting between External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi under the framework of Joint Commission, the two sides agreed to work on a trilateral transit agreement involving India, Iran and Afghanistan.<br /><br />But it was underlined that the work on the draft agreement should be started soon.<br />The two sides also discussed ways to enhance trade relations and people to people contact, regarding which the need was felt for liberalising the visa regime.<br /><br /> At the meeting, Khurshid conveyed India’s decision to participate in the upgradation of Chahbahar port. He informed the Iranian side that the Indian government has given in-principle nod to this project. As a follow up, India’s Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, will travel to Tehran for negotiations on cost and other aspects.<br /><br />The Iranian side underlined that the project is important not only for Iran and Afghanistan but for the entire central Asia.<br /><br />The two sides also reviewed the progress on the proposed North-South corridor which will link Russia with Iran, with Khurshid saying that any obstructions or any hurdles should be resolved.<br /><br />Iran’s controversial nuclear programme also came up for discussions and Salehi informed that talks with P5+1 will start in this year.</p>
<p>India and Iran on Saturday decided to give a major push to their bilateral ties in all aspects including connectivity for which New Delhi will participate in the upgradation of strategically crucial Chahbahar port.<br /><br /></p>.<p>During a meeting between External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi under the framework of Joint Commission, the two sides agreed to work on a trilateral transit agreement involving India, Iran and Afghanistan.<br /><br />But it was underlined that the work on the draft agreement should be started soon.<br />The two sides also discussed ways to enhance trade relations and people to people contact, regarding which the need was felt for liberalising the visa regime.<br /><br /> At the meeting, Khurshid conveyed India’s decision to participate in the upgradation of Chahbahar port. He informed the Iranian side that the Indian government has given in-principle nod to this project. As a follow up, India’s Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, will travel to Tehran for negotiations on cost and other aspects.<br /><br />The Iranian side underlined that the project is important not only for Iran and Afghanistan but for the entire central Asia.<br /><br />The two sides also reviewed the progress on the proposed North-South corridor which will link Russia with Iran, with Khurshid saying that any obstructions or any hurdles should be resolved.<br /><br />Iran’s controversial nuclear programme also came up for discussions and Salehi informed that talks with P5+1 will start in this year.</p>