TEHRAN, May 14 (MNA) – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian says that the Islamic Republic considers India as a reliable partner.

The top Iranian diplomat made the remarks in a meeting with Sarbananda Sonowal, the Indian Cabinet Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in Tehran on Monday.

"Our approach to relations with India is strategic and we are ready to further expand our cooperation with India in bilateral and multilateral capacities and within the framework of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation," Amir-Abdollahian stated.

Saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran considers India a reliable partner, the Iranian foreign minister said that Tehran seeks to have long-term cooperation with India.

He also termed the recent agreement between the two states as a very important opportunity to expand the volume of trade relations.

Sonowal, for his part, said that the recent agreement can provide business development grounds for the two countries.

This agreement not only strengthens the ties between the two great countries of Iran and India, but it is a solid step for India in the global supply chain and maritime sector, he added.

India and Iran on Monday signed a long-term agreement covering Indian operations at the Chabahar port, with New Delhi offering a credit window worth $250 million for the development of infrastructure there.

MP/Spox. channel