Iran, India agree to further bilateral relations

Minister of State for Food Processing Syed Shahnawaz, who heads a 30-member delegation, met Ayatollah Mohamadi Reyshari, leader of the Iranian Haj contingent. Ayatollah Jenati, a reputed Iranian cleric and several memebers of parliament from both countries were present.

Ayatollah Reyshari hailed the secular and democratic values of India and lauded the role of Indian scholars and theologists in the propagation of Islam in the world. He also referred to India’s rich cultural heritage.

Shahnawaz said India was home to the second largest Muslim population in the world and the community enjoyed complete religious freedom. The Minister said Indian Muslims have made gains in economic and social fields.

However, the interests of India should not be ignored by the Muslim world, Shahnawaz added.

Over 150 million Indian Muslims have played an active and effective role along with other members of the society in the nation building process, he said.

Muslims have held very important positions in the judiciary, executive and legislature in India, and the country had two Muslim heads of state in the past, he said. He also made special mention of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam’s contribution to the country’s missile development and defence sector.

The Iranian leaders pointed out that their country had also conferred a prestigious award on Dr Kalam.

They also extended an invitation to the Minister to visit Iran.

Ayatollah Reyshari said the Iranian government was organising the centenary celebrations of Ayatollah Khomeni this year, and hoped that India would send a high-level delegation to Tehran in this connection.

Both sides felt bilateral relations were solid and touching new heights in economic, political and cultural fields.