Iran’s Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi said on Friday that the China-brokered agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to revive diplomatic ties should not be a matter of concern for India. It will provide regional stability. It will also be beneficial for the interests of New Delhi.
Under the agreement, Iran and Saudi Arabia announced the full restoration of their diplomatic ties last week, seven years after breaking ties.
“I think this agreement should not be a matter of concern for India. It will be beneficial for India as it will help stability and peace in the Gulf region. This has happened with the mediation of China, yet it will benefit India,” Elahi told.
India on Thursday welcomed the agreement, saying it has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences.
The surprise announcement on the deal had taken the diplomatic circles in New Delhi by surprise.
Elahi said peace and stability in the Gulf region will benefit the Indian diaspora as well, besides resulting in greater economic engagement that would include India’s trade ties with various countries in the region.
India on Thursday welcomed the pact, saying it has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences.
“We have seen the reports in this regard. India has good relations with various countries in West Asia. We have deep abiding interests in that region,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
“India has always advocated dialogue and diplomacy as a way to resolve differences,” Bagchi said, without mentioning China’s role.
Asked whether Tehran is looking for investments in Iran by Riyadh under the deal, Elahi said it is expecting expansion of trade ties with both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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