Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, Hayan Abdul Ghani Al-Swad, recently met with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to discuss matters of mutual interest between India and Iraq. Both leaders emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the two nations that span centuries.
The meeting took place at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas in New Delhi, and Vice President Dhankhar shared photos of the event on Twitter. India and Iraq have a long history of trade and commerce, with the Iraqi port of Basra serving as a hub for Indian textiles, spices, food-grains, and other commodities.
In February, India and Iraq held a second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Baghdad. The Indian delegation, led by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA), met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul Ghani, Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman, National Security Adviser Qasem Al Araji, and the President of Sunni Awqaf Board, Dr. Mesh’an Al Khazraji. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, both sides noted the warm and friendly traditional relations between India and Iraq. They comprehensively reviewed the current status of bilateral relations in all fields, including political, economic, defense, security, trade and investments, development partnership, scholarship program and capacity building, cultural relations, and people-to-people contacts.
The discussions were productive, and both sides expressed an interest in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. As India and Iraq continue to build on their long history of cooperation and friendship, there is hope that they will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of their people.
