New Delhi, April 7, IRNA – Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan described lifting sanctions against Iran as a suitable opportunity for bolstering Iran-India ties, saying that his country is interested in cooperation with Iran in the fields of energy, petrochemical and fertilizers and aluminum production.

In an address in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Thursday, he characterized Iran-India ties as specific in post-sanctions era, and called for strengthening bilateral relations during the period.

Referring to the strategic importance of Chabahar in development of ties, he pointed out that the port reduces the distance between Iran and Gujarat by one and half a day.

The minister said that cost of petrochemicals and fertilizers production is low in Chabahar, given its advantages.

He also pointed to the imminent visit by the Indian foreign minister to Iran, saying that the trip will help promote bilateral relations.

Pradhan, who is to visit Tehran on Saturday, also said that he is to discuss various issues such as bilateral ties and India's participation in Chabahar development during his trip.

This is the first trip by an Indian minister following implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

By IRNA