The 19th round of the India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held today in New Delhi, co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, H.E. Dr. Majid Takht Ravanchi. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of bilateral issues, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, economic cooperation, regional developments, and cultural exchanges.
The two sides took stock of their long-standing relationship, with particular emphasis on key projects such as the Chabahar Port in Iran, which remains a critical part of their strategic cooperation. Chabahar Port, viewed as a vital gateway for trade between India, Iran, and Afghanistan, was underscored as a central pillar of bilateral engagement. Foreign Secretary Shri Misri highlighted the importance of the port in supporting Afghanistan’s economic reconstruction and connectivity with the broader region.
The talks also touched upon various sectors of cooperation, such as agricultural collaboration, expanding trade ties, and fostering deeper people-to-people connections. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing cultural ties, with discussions revolving around opportunities for increased cultural exchanges and educational collaboration.
Regional and global issues were also a key component of the consultations. The situation in Afghanistan, West Asia, and the South Caucasus was discussed, reflecting shared concerns about stability in these regions. Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address common challenges, particularly in Afghanistan, where both India and Iran have a vested interest in the country’s reconstruction and stability.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Both India and Iran expressed their desire to continue collaborating on global and regional issues, highlighting their shared interest in promoting peace and security in the region.
During his visit, H.E. Dr. Majid Takht Ravanchi also held a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The discussions between the two leaders focused on further strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional challenges. Both ministers agreed to continue the momentum of high-level exchanges, which have been a hallmark of India-Iran relations in recent years, in order to foster greater cooperation between the two countries.
The 19th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations reflect the ongoing importance of the strategic partnership between India and Iran. With both countries sharing deep historical ties and common interests in regional stability, the consultations serve as a vital platform for advancing cooperation across a range of sectors and addressing contemporary challenges.
As the two nations continue to engage on both bilateral and multilateral fronts, they remain committed to reinforcing their ties and working together to address shared regional and global priorities.