India a "Real Friend"

A senior Iranian official said Indians are "real friends" of Iran who demonstrated their loyalty in hard times, when Tehran was facing economic sanctions.

Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Abbas Araqchi made the statement on Tuesday night, addressing a ceremony held at Indian Embassy in Tehran on the occasion of the anniversary of the Republic Day of India, IRNA reported.

"They stood by us when we were in adversity," he said. "We will not forget our real friends [while looking for economic cooperation with other countries]."

Araqchi said the implementation of the July nuclear deal between Iran and world powers has opened a new chapter in Tehran's relations with other countries, especially India.

Tehran reached a landmark agreement in July with six world powers (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany) to curb its nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief. Araqchi said expansion of bilateral ties between the two countries will produce real benefits for them.

"Chabahar Port is the symbol of mutual cooperation," he said. "We seek to increase cooperation in various fields, including road transit."

Indian Ambassador in Tehran Saurabh Kumar said in the ceremony that relations between Tehran and New Delhi would definitely improve.

India celebrated its 67th anniversary of becoming a republic with celebrations across the country on Tuesday, including a military and cultural parade through the capital.

India's Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, completing the country's transition to an independent country after 300 years of British rule. The constitution gave Indian citizens the power to "govern themselves", making India the world's largest democracy.