‘Can see potential, India-Iran future bright’: Iranian Defence Minister, Brigadier Gen. Amir Hatami

On the sidelines of AeroIndia 2021, Times Now spoke to the Iranian Defence Minister, Brigadier General Amir Hatami. Hatami’s visit to India not only comes as a huge boost to Indo-Iranian ties but also strengthens India’s position in the Sub-continent and the Indian Ocean Region. The Iranian Defence Minister not only participated in the Aero India 2021 but also in the first conclave of Defence Ministers in the Indian Ocean Region. Here is Times Now’s conversation with Hatami: How do you see the Iranian and Indian Defence Forces working together? India and Iran have a long history of bilateral ties. In the past, both countries have signed contracts in defence matters. And since then have participated in training camps and several cooperative measures. In the month of September, the Indian Defence Minister met me and invited me for Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Conclave. This is a turning point and our relationship is at a good level. However, there are several sectors which can be exploited. Port of Chabahar is very important, and it provides exposure to Central Asia countries. Now, trade happens to be an important way of improving relations between nations, and given how India is now focusing on export of indigenous defence systems, would Iran now or in future be willing to import them? Fortunately, in my visit to Aero India, I came across very remarkable military and defence technology. It was a source of pleasure for me. I was pleased to see such technology. We believe an independent and powerful India is a positive thing for the security of the region. In the current situation where there is unilateralism by some big powers by which they have unleashed economic war and economic terrorism against my country for example, in such a scenario, with the emergence of unilateralism, the emergence of India is a good sign for the region and for the world. Similar to India, we also face a lot of difficulties especially in the areas of defence, as a result of which, we have also attained self-reliance in terms of military and defence produce. When Rajnath Singh had visited, we spoke about the same and how both countries can play an important role in terms of self-reliant and compliment each other. A good thing is that due to adverse effects of the US, there was some arms embargo, imposed by the UN. Fortunately, these have been lifted, and now there are no embargos, and this is a very good opportunity to take forward the relationship between India and Iran, in terms of military trade. The next question is regarding the Indian Ocean Region Defence Minister’s Conclave. It is happening for the first time, how do you see this for the Indian Ocean Region? I need to thank Defence Minister of India for the hospitality and the way such a positive and meaningful event was brought together in an orderly manner to bring together Defence Ministers of the IOR. The dignitaries in the Conclave stressed on the security of the countries and how all are facing a common threat and how we all need to act collectively in order to provide security for each other and as a result of which there would be a lot of economic opportunities. Iran also holds a strategic position which can be used to better economic growth. We also look forward to India for these opportunities. The Indian and Iranian ties go back a long way in history, other than the military cooperation, how do you see the two countries come together in the current global scenario? There is strong determination in the leadership of both countries to develop our ties. Other than a small period due to the US sanctions when our economic relations had a downward spiral, our bilateral relations have been growing. There is a scope for development in other domains as well, our future is very bright and both countries have resources in terms of science and technology advancement and can compliment each other. Both countries have faced a lot of sanctions. Barter trade is also something that could be stressed upon. In the area of barter trade, India is a hub for agriculture produce, but for agriculture, things like urea are needed and Iran has the largest reserve for urea and petrochemicals and the barter trade would be something on those lines. We provide India with Urea and take agricultural produce in return. Another first between India and Iran, is their Cooperation over the Chabahar port. What is the status of that, and perhaps what else is to come? Chabahar is a strategic point, and many countries in the north are in need of the port and shipments could be delivered here from India within three days and then to other countries and it is in a very significant position. Apart from that, we have also made a lot of investment in the port of Chabahar. We also have a contract with India and we hope this would be followed with more speed and the cooperation would benefit both the nations and perhaps other countries in the north as well. Where do you see the India and Iranian relations in perhaps the next few years? I can say this with full confidence that the future is bright and there is a bright horizon for India and Iran. Fortunately, there are a lot of bilateral ties and cooperation ongoing, and as I said, there is furthermore a lot of potential, which if utilised could give a jump to our bilateral cooperation. For this, we need political will and fortunately, that is in place. And lastly, I would like to thank the people of Bangalore and the organisers. This was the first conclave of the Indian Ocean Region Defence Ministers and a special thanks to the Defence Minister of India.