Making A Difference

Mutual Overtures

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Mutual Overtures
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The visit last week of Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Ali Akbar Velayati, one of the longest-serving foreign ministers in the world, was intended precisely to focus on improving political and economics ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade, Velayati pointed out, has risen to over $700 million in the last few years. A major component of this trade is oil exports from Iran—about 3 million tonnes per annum—which has tilted the balance of trade heavily in favour of Iran. However, one impediment in furthering bilateral ties is the financial crunch which both countries face. While finances from multilateral institutions like the World Bank and the IMF have been denied to Iran under pressure from the US, India has its own problems. Consequently, concrete action is still to be taken on several projects.

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The importance Iran attaches to improving economic ties with India was evident from the fact that Velayati came here especially to attend the CII conference in Bombay. The strains felt after the demolition of the Babri Masjid, when India resented the statements emanating from some Islamic nations, including Iran, seemed to have been resolved. However, things improved somewhat last year after Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani, while on a visit to India, recognised the virtues of Indian secularism. Such support is valued by New Delhi, especially since it comes under pressure on issues related to minorities.

The Iranians' response on Kashmir is also heartening. Velayati endorsed the Indian Government's attempt to start a political process in Kashmir: "You have to give the opportunity to the people of Kashmir to decide their destiny by electing their representatives and if you try to create a more free atmosphere, it might bring down the tension." That's just the kind of support India could do with.

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