In an effort to boost military ties with India, three naval warships from the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy docked at Mumbai port from March 6 to March 10.
During the five-day visit, Captain Aria Shafaghat Roudsari, Commodore Behnam Hosseinpour (commanding officer of the Naqdi), Commandant Mehdi Ahmadpour Samani (commanding officer of the Tonb) and Commodore Mohammad Baqer Rahmana (commanding officer of the Bayandor) called on Indian Rear Admiral Puneet Kumar Bahl, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area and other senior officers, the Business Standard reported on Sunday.
The crew of the three Iranian naval ships also visited Indian Naval Ship Beas.
Several interactions via sports and social events were organized for the visitors during their stay in Mumbai.
According to the Iranian Navy, the operational-training fleet traveled to Mumbai to convey the message of peace and friendship and enhance relations between Iran and India.
During their stay in India, the Iranian commanders visited a number of training centers of the Indian Navy as well as cultural and historical sites of the South Asian country.
Cordial Relationship
Historically, India and Iran shared a cordial relationship.
The defense relationship between the two countries is gradually maturing into one of mutual trust and confidence.
During a three-day visit by President Hassan Rouhani to India last month, the two sides agreed to step up cooperation in combating extremism, terrorism and drug trafficking in Afghanistan in an effort to restore peace and stability to the war-wracked country.
Rouhani's trip saw the signing of an agreement under which Tehran has leased to New Delhi operational control of part of the Iranian east coast port of Chabahar for 18 months.
The $85 million project creates a transit route between India, Iran and landlocked Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan.
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