PM’s Iran visit likely in May

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that the dates for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran were being worked out with the Iranian authorities but what has raised eyebrows is that there is no clarity as to when Mr Modi will visit another nation in west Asia with whom India has strong ties — Israel. The ruling BJP has always been shown interest in strengthening of ties with the Jewish state. No wonder that when Mr Modi rode to power on a wave of popularity two years ago, the Israelis were delighted. But two years on, despite visits to numerous countries and also visits to countries in west Asia such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia along with the forthcoming visit to Iran, Mr Modi is yet to visit Israel.

Incidentally, Iran and Israel are sworn enemies in the global arena. With Mr Modi’s forthcoming visit to Iran, eyebrows are being raised on why he has not visited Israel as yet. There are indications that as of now, Mr Modi’s visit to Iran will be a standalone one.

“We share a very close, historical and civilisational friendship with Iran, a relationship which is in existence for a long period of time. PM (Mr Modi) had been extended an invitation by President Rouhani when the two had met in Ufa (Russia). The PM had accepted the invitation in principle. We are currently in the process of working with our Iranian counterparts to work out the suitable dates,” the MEA spokesperson said.

External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Tehran last month during which the two sides had agreed to step up engagement in the oil and gas sector. During her visit, President Rouhani had said his country can be a “reliable partner” for India’s energy needs. Iran had opened several lucrative sectors after sanctions against it were lifted under a historic nuclear deal.

There has been a rush for investment in the resource-rich nation by global economic powers including Japan, China, the US and several European countries following lifting of the sanctions. India too has been eyeing deeper energy ties with that country and has already lined up US$ 20 billion investment in oil and gas, petrochemical and fertiliser projects there.

New Delhi is looking to increase engagement with the sanction-free Iran by raising oil imports and possible shipment of natural gas. According to news agency reports, it also wants rights to develop Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf discovered by ONGC Videsh Limited. Iran is an important country for India for its energy security as well as to get access to oil and gas-rich Central Asian nations.