Scope for India-Iran cooperation

The Shah of Iran said to-night [January 2] there were tremendous possibilities of co-operation between Iran and India and “we must seek to develop it to the maximum possible extent.” Responding to the toast at the State banquet here [New Delhi], he stressed the importance of regional co-operation. “Those who need assistance must be helped.” The Shah traced the historical and cultural ties between the two countries which, he said, “are one of the most ancient of their kind in the world.” Referring to the present relations between the two countries, he said the approach of Iran and India to almost all the problems was very similar. “We attach importance to the dignity of the human being and the freedom of man. It is but natural that, bound by ties of the past and the present, we are seeking closer friendship.” The President, Dr. Zakir Husain, described the visit of the Shah to this country as “a milestone” in Indo-Iranian relations and expressed the “confident hope” that it would renew not only the ancient ties between the two countries but “will also beckon towards a common exercise in the practice of modern ideals of Government.” The President told the Shah that in international affairs, India sought no more than friendship with all countries, particularly its neighbours. “We believe firmly that our friendship with any country should not be at the expense of any other.” He said, “Our primary concern continues to be for peace and stability and for peaceful settlement of disputes by the parties concerned without external interference. There is much in common between Your Imperial Majesty’s independent national policy and our policy of non-alignment.”