This refers to your report “PM Modi talks of “Dosti” as India Iran sign historic Chabahar Pact” (May 24). Our PM rightly says that “India and Iran have always focussed on adding strength to our relations, even during the difficult times.” India should also focus on having its own policies concerning terrorism and should not be influenced by any nation including US. We as India and Indians can always overcome any situation; and no foreign country can impose pressure on us. PMs Iran visit ought to create more bilateral cooperation and boost energy and trade ties and to remove the trust deficit caused by India’s voting against Iran’s nuclear developments and reducing the exports of oil on sanctions. India is in a unique position not only to improve relations with Iran but extend hand of friendship with Iran and Israel. The Iran visit is an opportunity to restore equilibrium in India’s foreign policy, which, of late, was seen to be skewed towards Israel and Saudi Arabia. Adding that combating the menace of international terrorism and radical ideologies is a common challenge, Modi has rightly said that India has “shared interest” in peace and prosperity of the region. Modi has to do a balancing act to maintain the cordial relations with west Asian countries, specially, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Both India and Iran desperately need the Israel technology to grow food arid areas.
Vinod C. Dixit
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
