Iran, India discuss co-operation beyond gas pipeline

02 July 2008

Mumbai: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today called upon India to join a peace alliance with Tehran and fill the power vacuum in the region, Iranian news agency IRNA reported.

''The Islamic Republic of Iran's approach to relations with India is a long-term one. There is no limit for promoting Tehran-New Delhi ties on bilateral, regional and global levels," Ahmadinejad remarked at a meeting with visiting Indian National Security Advisor MK Narayanan.

The  Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project could emerge as a 'Peace Pipeline' project once it was finalised and made operational, the Iranian president said.

"Iran and India, should bolster mutual ties, making themselves prepared for major developments worldwide and filling up the power vacuum in the region," Ahmadinejad said.

The two countries could have helpful and constructive cooperation in fighting drugs and terrorism, establishing the north-south corridor and maintaining regional security, he said.

Narayanan, who also met secretary of Iran's supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili said the Indian prime minister and the government were keen to follow up all agreements reached during official talks earlier, particularly in the field of Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project.