India ,Iran 

India and Iran officials meet to discuss bolstering defence cooperation amidst regional security concerns, highlighting mutual commitment to combat terrorism and enhance stability in West Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Senior officials from India and Iran recently convened to discuss plans for enhanced defence cooperation, citing the delicate situation in West Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The meeting took place between Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of a conference of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.

During the meeting, General Ashtiani underscored the significant potential for both nations, situated strategically, to contribute to peace and security in West Asia and the Indian subcontinent. He emphasized the necessity for collaboration in combating the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group and preventing its resurgence in the region.

Highlighting the importance of military and defence cooperation between Iran and India, General Ashtiani stressed its positive impact on regional stability and security. He expressed Tehran’s readiness to bolster defence ties with New Delhi.

In response, Defence Secretary Aramane conveyed condolences to Iran over the loss of Iranian military advisers in an Israeli airstrike in Syria. He emphasized the mutual interest in ensuring regional security and tranquility, signaling India’s commitment to closer cooperation.

Aramane also highlighted the need for strengthened military collaboration, particularly in the naval sector. He proposed joint naval exercises, defence research initiatives, and student exchanges to deepen ties between the two countries. Notably, the Iranian Navy previously deployed its Dena destroyer to India for a multilateral exercise, while India hosted the largest-ever multilateral naval drill, Milan 2024, with participation from 50 countries.

The discussions between India and Iran reflect a mutual recognition of the evolving security challenges in their respective regions and the importance of cooperation in addressing them. As both nations strive to enhance their defence capabilities and foster regional stability, closer ties between Tehran and New Delhi hold the potential to yield significant strategic benefits.