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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Feb 17, 2018, 03:36 PM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held "substantive" talks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to boost cooperation in key areas of security, trade and energy, after which the two sides inked nine pacts, including one on double taxation avoidance.
The two leaders also deliberated on regional situations during their wide-ranging talks.
"Both leaders held substantive & productive discussion on cooperation in trade & investment, energy, connectivity, defence & security & regional issues," External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Addressing a joint press event with Rouhani, Modi said the visit by the Iranian president shows how the two sides want to deepen cooperation in key areas, including connectivity.
PM Modi also appreciated the way the Iranian leader provided leadership in developing strategically-important Chabahar Port.
Apart from tax pact, the two sides also exchanged instrument to ratify the extradition treaty as well as to simplify visa process.
Earlier, Rouhani was given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In the morning, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Rouhani and discussed various issues with him.
On Friday, the Iranian president addressed a congregation of Muslims after performing Friday prayers at the historic Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad.
Rouhani said the current century belongs to Asia where New Delhi and Tehran have an important role to play.
He emphasised on the importance of the Chabahar port in his country, saying it will open up the transit route for India to Iran, Afghanistan (bypassing Pakistan), Central Asian countries and also Europe.
Rouhani lauded India's cultural diversity, saying multiple faiths and schools of thought co-exist peacefully in the county.
Here are live updates of Rouhani's India visit:
