Easing the process of issuing visas to Iranians after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the same to Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani after easing of Western sanctions against Tehran, Iran is now out of the restricted Prior Referral Category (PRC) of countries for issuing visas.
Under the category of PRC countries, India grants visa only after its mission or consulate in that country runs a thorough background check on the individual applicant. Countries in the PRC list include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and China. When Mr Modi met Mr Rouhani in Ufa, Russia, in July days ahead of the historic nuclear deal between Tehran and the world powers, he had assured that the visa process for Iranians would be made easier.
The idea is to bring in a liberalised visa regime for the Iranians. India had been considering taking this step to strengthen economic with Iran.
The Indo-Iran Joint Commission meeting, to be led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Iran’s Economic Minister, in Delhi later this month is expected to give thrust to economic ties between the two countries.
Iran has been objecting that keeping the country in the PRC category was an impediment to fostering relations as both sides are keen to realise untapped potential in trade, investments, connectivity and security. India and Iranian officials are hopeful of concluding a contract next month for Indian assistance of USD 100 million for expanding Iran’s Chabahar port after prolonged delay.
India and Iran are also looking forward to activate transport corridors (International North-South Transport Corridor and other corridors) to Russia and Central Asia through Iran and explore a trilateral cooperation with Oman. Apart from Indian investment in oil and gas fields in Iran, the two countries are also exploring cooperation in industries such as petrochemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s certificate to Iran will help ease sanctions and open up opportunities for Indian companies in the country with a young and skilled population and a large consumer base.
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
In ConversationJuly 26, 2024India-Italy defence collaboration can extend to third countries: Anil Wadhwa- In ConversationJuly 23, 2024Italy views India as a key partner in Indo-Pacific: Vani Rao
- DiplomacyJune 29, 2024First BRICS unveils a roadmap for boosting tourism among emerging economies
- India and the WorldJune 11, 2024On Day 1, Jaishankar focuses on resolving standoff with China
