Updated on June 8 : Iran Foreign Minister meets PM Modi, Jaishankar : Modi recalls "Centuries-old civilizational links"

Diplomacy is a permanent and lasting feature....especially under Moditva ...it does not carry baggage of controversies.

Dr Jaishankar held talks with visiting Iranian foreign minister H. Amirabdollahian in New Delhi on June 8. "Our discussions today will reflect our close and friendly relations," so aptly tweeted External Affairs Minister. 

In fact, the visiting dignitary also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Welcoming the dignitary, Prime Minister warmly recalled the long-standing civilizational and cultural links between India and Iran. The two leaders discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation initiatives. Prime Minister stressed that both countries should work to accelerate exchanges in the post-COVID era.

Prime Minister requested the Iran Foreign Minister to also transmit his greetings to His Excellency President Ebrahim Raisi, and looked forward to meeting the President of Iran at an early date. 

In a tweet, the Prime Minister wrote - "Was happy to receive Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian for a useful discussion on further development of Centuries-old civilizational links between India and Iran". 

"Our relations have mutually benefited both the countries and have promoted regional security and prosperity," he said. 

Two foreign ministers: June 8, Delhi 

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will be on a four-day visit to India beginning June 7, Tuesday at the "invitation of his Indian counterpart" for meetings and talks with the country's high-ranking officials, Iranian authorities said.

"The visit to India is aimed at expanding ties between the two countries and holding strategic consultations over cooperation regarding regional issues and international developments," the Iranian foreign office said. 

He will meet senior officials and Indian dignitaries on Wednesday at the Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi.

He will visit Mumbai on June 9 and also Hyderabad on June 10. Sources said the dignitary will emplane for Tehran on June 10 late evening. 

Matters related to Afghanistan situation and trade Chabahar Port to Afghanistan and Central Asia and Eurasia are likely to figure at the high level talks.

This is Abdollahian's first visit ever to India since taking charge last year. 
He was expected to visit India earlier this year, but that was postponed as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had fallen ill.

However, the two had met three times on the side-lines of a few multilateral events in the recent past.