Two days after the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, India held the 11th Consular Committee Meeting with Iran on Thursday which dealt with smoothening visa and legal matters essential for bilateral ties.

“Both sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including early conclusion of Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance on civil and commercial matters, extending longer duration of e-Visa for each other nationals on reciprocity, visa facilitation for greater people-to-people contact,” a press release issued by the MEA said.

Iran at present provides visa-on-arrival to Indian travellers which is given as a paper visa. Iranian visas are also given to Indians online and through missions.

Joint Secretary in charge of consular affairs Amit Narang from India and Ali Asghar Mohammadi, Director General of Consular Affairs of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the two delegations at the talks here.

Iran has been conducting talks with various countries for bilateral visa arrangements to help facilitate smooth travel as the country is facing international sanctions that can potentially affect the free movement of business travellers. India provides e-visa facilities to Iranian travellers. It is understood that Iran wishes longer duration e-visas from India.

In recent months, the Iranian paper visa was welcomed by business travellers as it ensured smooth movement through third countries that do not have good ties with Tehran. Streamlined visa processes are aimed at ensuring smooth travel for Indians to Iran where the U.S. sanctions are already disrupting the normal flow of trade.

International tension has impacted India’s business with Iran as nearly 50 containers from Afghanistan meant for Indian market have been stuck at the port of Chabahar as of 15 May reportedly due to new restrictions imposed under the U.S government-backed sanctions.