The fighting ongoing in Gaza is the most discussed topic in world politics today, on which Iran and India have different points of view, S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, told CNN-News18, just after his two-day visit to Tehran. Speaking in a joint press statement with the Iranian foreign affairs minister as well, he said, “India has a long-standing and uncompromising position against terrorism in all forms and manifestations.”
Iran's relations with Hamas and its Palestinian militant partners are well documented. After Hamas’ attack on Israel, it was stated that the attack was ‘fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people.’
While speaking with CNN-News18, he raised concerns about the Iran-backed Houthi militants’ attacks in the Red Sea. “I would hope that sobriety and responsibility prevail and this doesn't continue beyond the point," he mentioned. According to CNBC, trade worth over $200 billion has been diverted away from one of the busiest trade routes. “Rates for freight travelling from Asia to northern Europe more than doubled this week to above $4,000 per 40-foot-equivalent unit (container). Asia-Mediterranean prices climbed to $5,175 per container, as per a CNBC report.
Speaking about the common interests between New Delhi and Tehran, Jaishankar stressed the long-term contract between the countries. He added, "Our own interest in Iran is growing; we have been negotiating a long-term framework and long-term contract for Chabahar.” Both countries have reached a final agreement on the Chabahar Port project, ET Now reported, citing agencies.
The original contract, which only covered India’s operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in the Chabahar Port and got renewed every year, will be replaced with a new one. The new agreement will be valid for ten years and will be extended automatically.
Talking about the complexities of today’s geopolitics, he said that the world is complicated, and international politics particularly so. What happens is that you come under pull and pressure. “It's a tricky thing because people have their own fights, so sometimes by doing your work you have to walk into other people’s fights, and therefore you have to find ways to manage it," he added in the interview.
Commenting on India-Russia relations, he added that New Delhi has been under pressure for a few years now, but it has stood its ground. “Any call we take on Russia will be in our interests," he concluded.
