TEHRAN – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that he bears the message of friendship and brotherhood to the people of India.

Rouhani started his three-day tour of India on Thursday by first arriving in the southern city of Hyderabad. 

“Iran seeks closer and friendlier relations with India in various areas,” he said during a meeting with religious scholars and leaders of the Islamic community of Hyderabad.

The president added his presence among the people in Hyderabad shows the “historical and cultural” links between India and Iran goes far beyond economic and political ties.

The two great Iranian and Indian nations who have a “common history and culture” have been on the side of each other for centuries, Rouhani pointed out.

He also pointed to efforts to cause division among Muslims, saying, “The Muslims are brothers and Islam is the religion for happiness of all human beings.”

The president also noted that Iran is following a “view to the East” policy.

Rouhani, who is visiting India upon an invitation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is accompanied by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Vice President for Economic Affairs Mohammad Nahavandian, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh, Transport and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi, Minister of Industry Mohammad Shariatmadari and Presidential Chief of Staff Mahmoud Vaezi.

Rouhani calls for unity among Muslims

During a speech at a Friday prayer ceremony, Rouhani called for unity among the Muslims.

“If the Muslims were united, the U.S. President [Donald Trump] could not dare to announce al-Quds as capital of the occupant Zionist regime. If we were united, this regime did not dare to violate the Palestinian nation’s rights,” Rouhani remarked.
“If the Muslims were united, the U.S. President [Donald Trump] could not dare to announce al-Quds as capital of the occupant Zionist regime. If we were united, this regime did not dare to violate the Palestinian nation’s rights,” the president remarked.

He noted, “The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that there is no way but unity and brotherhood among the Muslims.”

The president also said that the Muslims have a common goal which is moving on the path of Prophet Mohammad’s teachings.

Trump declared on December 6, 2017 that he recognizes al-Quds as the capital of Israel and ordered the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to al-Quds.

The Trump’s announcement on al-Quds prompted harsh international warnings.

Rouhani also held a meeting with Iranian students and residents in India.

NA/PA