President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran and India play a very sensitive role in the fight against terrorism in the region.

President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran and India play a very sensitive role in the fight against terrorism in the region.

President Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS.

Close economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries is of prime importance in broadening mutual relations, he said.

'We hope the meeting would lead to speedy expansion of all-out relations between the two countries,' he said.

Prospects of future cooperation is very promising and the endeavor of Indian premier to this end is of prime importance, Rouhani added.

The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes expansion of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, said President Rouhani in response to the suggestion made by Indian government for expansion of Chabahar commercial port and sharing in construction of the North-South Corridor.

Iran is ready to broaden cooperation with India in various sectors as investment in oil, gas, expansion of Chabahar port, tourism industry and expansion of cooperation between the two sides' private sectors mainly in scientific and technological fields.

Elaborating on the sensitive role of Iran and India in the fight against terrorism, President Rouhani referred to the current sensitive situation in Yemen and said, 'Regretfully we are now witnessing carnage of women, children and civilians in the country.'

Role of Iran and India in restoring stability and fight against terrorism is very significant, said Rouhani.

Also referring to expansion of extremism and violence in the region in recent years, he said, regretfully Iraq and Afghanistan suffer insecurity crisis, and the presence of Tekfiri terrorist groups such as Daesh has created a very deplorable situation for them.

The Indian premier, praised the momentous role of Iran's Supreme Leader and the country's strategic position, mainly the leading role of President Hassan Rouhani, for identification and eradication of root causes of terrorism in the region.

Iran plays a prominent role in restoring security and stability in the region, he said, adding that 'We should not let terrorism shatter the image of Islam and Muslims.'

Iran and India along with those sharing common stands should back the proposal made by Iran to the United Nations Organization on defending human rights and a world free of violence, he said.

In the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on broadening scientific and academic ties, cooperation between artists, and expansion of tourism industry.

The 2-day meetings starts on July 9 and President Rouhani as the 'Special Guest' will deliver a speech at BRICS summit and on the second day, he will also deliver a speech at the SCO summit meeting.

Bilateral meetings and talks with heads of member-states of BRICS and SCO are on his agenda.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In addition to the two summits, Eurasia Summit is to be held in Russia, too.

City of Ufa, capital of Bashkortostan Republic of Russia is hosting all three summits on Thursday and Friday July 9 and 10.

News ID 187858