India has eased the process of issuing visas to Iranians after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the same to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Iran is now out of the restricted prior referral category (PRC) of countries for issuing visas. In the case of PRC countries, India grants visa only after its mission or consulate in that country runs a thorough background check on the individual applicant. Countries in the PRC list include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and China.

When Modi met Rouhani in Ufa, Russia, in July days ahead of the historic nuclear deal between Tehran and the world powers he had assured that the visa process for Iranians would be eased. The Indo-Iran Joint Commission meeting, to be led by foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and the Iranian economic minister, in Delhi later this month is expected to give a fillip to economic ties between the two countries.

Key Points to Note

• India and Iranian officials are hopeful of concluding a contract next month for Indian assistance of $100 million for expanding Iran’s Chabahar port after prolonged delay.
• The two countries are also keen to activate transport corridors (International North-South Transport Corridor and other corridors) to Russia and Central Asia through Iran and explore a trilateral cooperation (India-Oman-Iran).
• Besides Indian investment in oil and gas fields in Iran, the two sides are also exploring cooperation in industries such as petrochemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency’s certificate to Iran this week will help to lift sanctions and open up opportunities for Indian companies in the West Asian country with a young and skilled population and a large consumer base.