Pres. Rouhani: US has no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran

AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Referring to the developing relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and India, President stressed more efforts to deepen Tehran-New Delhi relations.

Speaking on Monday in a meeting with the Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, President Hassan Rouhani said, "There is no doubt that relations between the two countries will further deepen with the resolve of the two Iranian and Indian governments and nations”.

Referring to the holding of joint commission of cooperation between Iran and India, the President said, "Interaction and negotiation between Iranian and Indian authorities have always had positive effects in further cementing of relations”.

“We should make efforts to elevate the trade and economic relations between the two countries to a desired and expected level,” he said.

Referring to the cooperation between Iran and Indian in Chabahar, Dr Rouhani said, "Finalising the Chabahar-Zahedan Railway and connecting it to the nationwide railway system can develop trade in the region”.

Stating that ensuring security in the region is very important for Iran and India, he said, "In this regard, the Islamic Republic of Iran has proposed the Hormuz Peace Endeavour (HOPE) Initiative that can be a good solution for enduring peace in the region”.

“Iran is seeking to ease tensions and ensure lasting security and stability in the region, especially in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” he said.

He went on to describe multilateral cooperation of Iran and India with other countries important, saying, "In the current conditions that the US is imposing unilateral sanctions against other nations, we have to attempt to maintain our good relations and cooperation”.

The President added, "These conditions are surely transient and the US will have no choice but to abandon maximum pressure on Iran before or after its presidential elections”.

At the same meeting, the Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar delivered the greetings of the Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to Dr Rouhani and said, "To further develop cooperation and relations between the two countries in different fields, we need to work harder”.

Stating that India and Iran can deepen ties and cooperation, he stressed the importance of promoting cooperation between the two countries’ public and private sectors.

Development of relations between the Iranian and Indian banks is very important, he said adding, "Fortunately today, cooperation between the two countries in Chabahar region has a very good pace and we should accelerate the implementation of projects.

He added, "Iran and India have historical relations with each other and despite all problems, Iran will remain steadfast and powerful”.

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