(a) whether the Iranian President visited India recently;
(b) if so, the details regarding the discussions held and the outcome thereof;
(c) whether any agreement were signed on the occasion;
(d) if so, the details of bilateral agreements signed;
(e) whether Iran has offered to help India in its fight against terrorism; and
(f) if so, the details thereof ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI VINOD KHANNA)
(a)-(b) President of Iran H.E. Seyyed Mohammad Khatami visited India from 24 to 28 January 2003. During the visit, wide ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest were held. The New Delhi Declaration, signed by the Prime Minister and the Iranian President, puts forth the vision of strategic partnership between India and Iran for a more stable, secure and prosperous region and for enhanced regional and global cooperation. It touches all aspects of cooperation - bilateral economic cooperation, cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons, science and technology, information technology, education and training, reconstruction of Afghanistan, international terrorism, and other global issues.
(c)-(d) In addition to the New Delhi Declaration, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Road Map to Strategic Cooperation was also signed which sets a five-year target oriented framework for milestones towards the strategic partnership. Six other documents, Agreement on Science and Technology cooperation, MoUs on cooperation in hydrocarbons sector, Vocational Training, and Urban Water Management; Cultural Exchange Programme (2003-2005) and Framework Agreement on operationalization of USD 200 million Indian line of credit to be implemented by Exim Bank through a group of Iranian banks were also signed.
(e)-(f) India and Iran called on the international community to intensify its efforts to combat the menace of terrorism. They agreed that combat against international terrorism should not be based on double standards and States that aid, abet and directly support international terrorism should be condemned. India and Iran also agreed to continue joint cooperation to address the issue of international terrorism and trafficking in narcotic and psychotropic substances.