The joint statement of India and Iran released after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday reflected a convergence of ideas on several key issues. The two leaders not only expressed commitment to join hands to fight terrorism and violence, but also promised to support each other on international fora on crucial issues.

While recognising the challenges of terrorism and ideologies of violent extremism, the two leaders reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They stressed there can be no justification for any act of terrorism and expressed conviction to fight against the menace. In their statement, they said fight against terrorism should not only seek to disrupt and eliminate terrorists, their organisations and networks, but also identify and address conditions conducive to terrorism as well as extremist ideologies.

Modi and Rouhani stressed terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group and urged an immediate end to all support and sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorist groups and individuals. The statement said they were of the view that States that aid, abet and directly or indirectly support terrorism should be condemned.

The Indian side reaffirmed its support for full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which has been endorsed by the UN Security Council and is crucial contribution to the non-proliferation framework and international peace, stability and security.

On the issue of security and defence cooperation, both Rouhani and Modi agreed to enhance regular and institutionalised consultations between their National Security Councils and others concerned on terrorism, security and related issues such as organised crime, money-laundering, drug trafficking and cyber crime. Both sides expressed interest in enhancing cooperation possibilities in maritime domain including port calls by naval ships, training and regular exchanges of defence delegations.

Recognising connectivity as a crucial aspect of their relationship, the two sides reiterated their commitment for early and full operationalisation of Shahid-Beheshti Port at Chabahar. The Iranian side welcomed the investment of Indian side in setting up plants in sectors such as fertilizers, petrochemicals and metallurgy in Chabahar Free Trade Zone and expressed readiness to enhance enabling environment to attract Indian private/public sector investments.

"Both sides reiterated their commitment to International North- South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and stressed on the need for inclusion of Chabahar within its framework. It was noted that Iran will hold an early meeting of the INSTC Coordination Meeting in Tehran. India's accession to TIR Convention and Ashgabat Agreement was welcomed as additional steps at enhancing regional connectivity and linking regional centers of economic growth," the joint statement said.

Talking about trade and investment cooperation, the statement said India fully supports the accession of the Iran to the World Trade Organisation and the ongoing consensus building efforts among WTO members to reactivate the accession process, consistent with the objective of making the Organization universal and inclusive. On energy partnership, the joint statement mentioned the consensus to move beyond traditional buyer-seller relationship and develop it into a long term strategic partnership.

Promotion of friendly exchanges and people to people contacts remained an important aspect of discussion. In order to facilitate friendly exchanges between the two countries, it was agreed to grant e-visa to each other's citizens. In addition, there was a decision to hold a Festival of India in Iran in 2018-19, establish a Chair of Indian studies in Tehran University, organise Indology courses for Iranian diplomats by the Foreign Service Institute of India, support the Persian language courses in India and cooperate further in the areas of archaeology, museums, archives and libraries.

On the diplomatic front, India and Iran will intensify and diversify the existing high-level engagement through wider range of bilateral exchanges at all levels. In this context, it was decided to convene within this year the meeting of the India-Iran Joint Commission and all its Working Groups, Foreign Office Consultations, dialogue between defense and National Security Council structures of the two countries, Policy Planning dialogue, and to promote Parliamentary exchanges.

During discussions on regional and international situation, President Rouhani acknowledged India's aspiration to play a greater role in international fora with a view to strengthen multilateralism. The two leaders reiterated the importance of strong United Nations and emphasized the need for an early reform of the Security Council reflective of the current geopolitical realities. "They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) for comprehensive reform of the Security Council," the statement said.