The representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Saturday underscored the strength of India-Iran relations, pointing to Tehran’s decision to allow Indian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as evidence of close bilateral ties.
Addressing a press conference, Ilahi said the relationship between India and Iran is rooted in centuries of shared history, culture, and mutual respect, and continues to expand through sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation across sectors.
He cited recent high-level interactions, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian have held multiple discussions, alongside ongoing engagements between the foreign ministers of both countries. According to Ilahi, these exchanges reflect growing collaboration.
“India is a very great country and we respect India and Indians. We have a 5,000-year relationship and friendship with Iran. Iran is connected to India by education, by philosophy, by culture, by civilisation, and by economy… Iranians love Indians too much. Even our culture is the same. Our behaviour is the same. Even our faces and shapes are the same,” Ilahi said.
He added that the depth of ties is demonstrated by Iran granting Indian ships passage through the Strait of Hormuz at a time when several other countries were denied access.
“The relationship and friendship between Iran and India is very, very strong and very deep. At the moment, our relationship, collaboration, and cooperation with India are very, very good. And the Prime Minister [Narendra Modi] had three successful conversations with the President of Iran, Pezeshkian. And also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India has had many successful conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. And the sign of that, which I want to give you as evidence, is that Iran allowed Indian ships to pass the Strait of Hormuz, while a lot of countries couldn’t get this permission,” he added.
Ilahi also pointed to historical migration patterns, noting that Iranian communities have settled in India over centuries, strengthening social and cultural connections between the two nations.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said relations are expected to deepen further, with Iran’s leadership continuing to support closer engagement and the removal of barriers to cooperation.
“The relationship between Iran and India is very good, and I’m sure that in the future, the relationship between Iran and India will be far better and stronger. Because I remember our late Supreme Leader always emphasised the relationship between Iran and India. Several times, I heard from him, and he said that there should not be any barrier between our two relationships,” Ilahi said.
He further stated that the current Iranian leadership remains committed to strengthening ties with India.
Separately, a Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier, MT Sarv Shakti, carrying Indian cargo, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 2 and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on May 13, according to official sources.
The vessel is carrying 46,313 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and has a crew of 20 members onboard, including 18 Indian nationals.
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