In a commentary published in the Indian newspaper The Hindu to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Mohammad Fathali laid out a vision for deeper cooperation across energy, trade corridors, and regional security.
“While the two countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, it is time for Tehran and New Delhi to transform historic goodwill into a bold and forward-looking union,” Fathali wrote.
The ambassador identified energy security as a central pillar of the relationship, noting India’s continued heavy reliance on oil and gas for its fast-growing economy. “With its vast hydrocarbon reserves, Iran is a natural partner to guarantee India's long-term energy needs,” he stated.
He highlighted transport links as the most critical area of collaboration, pointing to India’s involvement in developing Iran’s Chabahar port. Iran, Fathali wrote, is a vital link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal route connecting India via Iran to Russia and Northern Europe.
On regional security, the ambassador noted shared concerns over the spread of extremism and terrorism in West and South Asia. This common threat, he suggested, has made intelligence cooperation “a hidden but essential foundation of bilateral relations.”
IRNA