PM Modi speaks to Iranian president Raisi, discusses expansion of BRICS
Prime Minister Modi reiterated the commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, including realising the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the India-Iran relationship is underpinned by close historic and civilisational connections, including strong people-to-people contact.
Iran's Raisi and PM Modi also discussed cooperation at multilateral forums, including expansion of BRICS, and looked forward to their meeting on the margins of the forthcoming BRICS summit in South Africa. Last month, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Ali Bagheri had said that it is on their agenda to use Indian Rupee and Iranian Rial to boost trade and economic exchanges adding that increased investment from India at the Chabahar would advance the completion of the port.
"Any increase in the investment by the Indian party could play an important role in the advances, the progress and the completion of the Chabahar Port," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri said in an exclusive interview with ANI. Bagheri had also said that since Iran is the biggest oil supplier in the world, it is ready to give priority to India if the Indian Government also shows willingness.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi discussed Iran's possible future membership of the BRICS grouping during a phone call on Thursday, Russian state news agency TASS reported, citing the Kremlin. The BRICS grouping of emerging economies - comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - is due to discuss its possible expansion at a summit in South Africa next month.
Read more on livemint.com
