Amid controversy over remarks on Prophet Muhammad, the Muslim country's foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian arrived in India on a 4-day visit today.
Iran's foreign minister's visit assumes significance as Iran is one of the Muslim countries which had objected to the statement of Prophet Muhammad by former BJP spokesperson. And for this, Iran had objected by summoning the Ambassador of India.
In such a situation, it has to be seen what is the stand of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on this tour. India and Iran have historical relations.
On this visit, important talks can also take place between the two countries, from oil purchases to Chabahar port and the situation in Afghanistan amid the Russo-Ukraine war.
Most of the eyes on this meeting will be on whether there is any agreement between India and Iran regarding the purchase of crude oil because of the way crude oil prices have increased in the world after the war between Russia and Ukraine.
In such a situation, Iran can once again become a supplier for India. However, since the US imposed sanctions on Iran, it is not looking easy.
But in the current circumstances, not only India need cheap oil, but Iran is also looking for another market.
In such a situation, it has to be seen whether any consensus is reached on this issue in the meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Recently, the way External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has put forth his stand on the global oil crisis in Globesec 2022 and buying India's oil from Russia. It is clear from this that India will give priority to its needs. He said that by buying oil from Russia, only India is funding. Is Europe not buying gas from Russia, so is Europe not funding Russia?
India has continued to buy oil from Russia despite pressure from Western countries. In such a situation, the decision on crude oil will be monitored in the meeting of Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Before the sanctions on Iran in 2019, India was the largest importer of crude oil after China. Meanwhile, Iran has increased production by 1 million barrels per day.
According to the data of the Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between India and Iran was about $ 1.9 billion in 2021-22. In this, India had exported about $ 1.45 billion and imported $ 463.38 billion.
India mainly exports Basmati rice, sugar, tea, medicines, machinery, jewellery and fresh fruits to Iran. Whereas dry fruits, leather, stones etc. are imported from Iran.
There can also be an important discussion between India and Iran regarding the use of Chabahar port and its security from Taliban. Under this, discussions are likely to be held to increase trade in Europe and Asian countries through Chabahar port.
At the same time, both the countries can talk on the situation and challenges after the Taliban power in Afghanistan.
