Problems of Indian community to be taken up with Iran: Swaraj

In an address to members of the Indian community in Tehran, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj vowed to raise issues concerning them with Iran. “EAM Sushma Swaraj assures community members she will raise issues of concern to them with the Iranian leadership,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas tweeted.

She visited a Sikh gurudwara at the start of her two-day Tehran visit to boost ties between the two countries. Mrs Swaraj is in Iran as a part of her two-nation visit to Iran and Russia. There was also a bilateral meet between Mrs Swaraj and Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. “EAM Sushma Swaraj and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif also led delegation level talks on India-Iran relations”, Mr Swarup tweeted.

Mrs Swaraj also visited an Indian school in Tehran where the children in the school performed a show to depict the cultural blend of the two nations. “A little India in the heart of Tehran. Students of Kendriya Vidyalaya welcomed Sushma Swaraj. Our centuries old and civilizational links with Iran have been strengthened by the cultural activities of the Indian school,” Mr Swarup said.

“I am commencing my visit to Iran with a new energy after meeting with Indian community,” Mrs Swaraj said in her address to the school children. She began her tour on April 16 with a visit to a gurudwara that was established in Tehran 75 years ago.

The talks between Mrs Swaraj and Mr Zarif were held as the sides reviewed bilateral relations amid a focus on boosting ties in energy and trade. One of the major areas of discussion involved raising India’s fuel imports after the US removed trade embargoes against Iran.

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