India, Iran, Afghanistan hold trilateral in Tehran

Ways to combat terror, implementation of connectivity projects and a host of other crucial issues were discussed at a trilateral meeting of India, Iran and Afghanistan in Tehran.

The Director-General level meeting, which took place yesterday, is a follow up to the First Round of the trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, India and Iran held in New Delhi last April.

"In the meeting a wide range of issues of common interest were discussed by the three parties including the recent developments in the region and the trilateral political, economic, transit and cultural cooperation," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

He said, discussing the situation in the region and Afghanistan, the three parties emphasised the need for regional cooperation to counter current and emerging threats of terrorism and extremism.

The meeting also deliberated upon various aspect of the the trilateral agreement signed by the three countries in May in Tehran on development of transit routes to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port.

The meeting agreed to have some specialized meetings and seminars for experts and representatives from trade and industry so that their recommendations can be reviewed in the next Meeting of the Director-Generals, which will be held in Kabul.

"The three parties also explored possible grounds for cooperation in the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process," said Swarup.

Asked about the coming US-India-Afghanistan meet, he said India as an immediate neigbhour of Afghanistan, is a stakeholder in peace and stability in that country.

"The US is among the leading countries of the world working for the same objective. Therefore, it is natural that we consult each other and also Afghanistan on the current situation as well as the continued support that Afghanistan requires from the international community," said Swarup.

The Trilateral Dialogue was earlier held in 2012 and 2013 at Joint Secretary level.

The Dialogue may take place on the margins of the UN General Assembly in September at similar official level.