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India, Iran should replace dying big powers: Ahmadinejad
In the rapidly changing world structure, Iran and India must stay together and should not neglect the present opportunities to replace the dying big powers, Irans President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told visiting External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna on Tuesday.
Mr. Krishna, who was here representing India at the meeting of G-15 developing nations, met Mr. Ahmadinejad and the two leaders highlighted the need for the two nations to work together on regional issues.
The two leaders talked about situation in the region, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said and described the near 30-minute meeting as warm and cordial interaction.
It (****** situation) was briefly mentioned... The two leaders touched upon the situation in the region, he said.
The Iranian President wanted the two nations to be in touch on regional issues, the spokesperson said.
Referring to regional situation, the President underlined the desirability (and) need for India and Iran to be in touch (and) to work together, he said.
Mr. Ahmadinejad told Mr. Krishna that Iran and India should stay together for three reasons namely because of their cultural characteristics and the common historical records, the present situation in the region as well as the contemporary world conditions which call for close cooperation between the two countries, official IRNA agency said.
He (Ahmadinejad) also underlined the rapidly changing world structure and said Iran and India should not neglect the present opportunities to replace the dying big powers, it said. The Iranian President was apparently referring to the U.S. and other western countries.
The fiery Iranian leader believed closer ties between Iran and India will benefit other countries as well because Tehran and New Delhi have always sought peace and security for both the region and the world, the agency said.
The Indian spokesman said: India has always played an important role in global affairs including NAM and G-15 organisations.
Mr. Krishna also conveyed the greetings of President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the President, and to the leadership and people of Iran.
External Affairs Minister congratulated the President and the Iranian Government for the very successful hosting and conduct of the G-15 Summit and excellent arrangements made, the spokesperson said.
Recalling Indias civilisational links with Iran, Mr. Krishna noted that the two nations were neighbours (before Indias partition) and have always been good friends.
Mr. Ahmadinejad warmly welcomed the External Affairs Minister and echoed his sentiments, saying India and Iran had joint roots.
He also expressed satisfaction that the Indo-Iran Joint Commission would take place shortly which would give impetus to cooperative and multi-faceted ties.
The last Joint Commission meeting was held about 18 months ago here and the next meeting is planned in New Delhi.
Iran, he said, was happy to see Indias economic development and progress which was good for the region.
The President requested Mr. Krishna to convey his greeting to the President and the Prime Minister of India.
Mr. Krishna thanked the President of Iran for receiving him warmly.
The External Affairs Minister was assisted by Indian Ambassador to Iran Sanjay Singh, Joint Secretary (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) in the Foreign Office Yash Sinha and other officials, while the Iranian team, comprised Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali Fathollahi and Director General of Asian Affiars among others.
Krishna had on Monday met his counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki and discussed bilateral relations and trade ties.
The Hindu : News / National : India, Iran should replace ‘dying’ big powers: Ahmadinejad
