TEHRAN – In an interview on Monday, Indian Ambassador to Tehran, Rudra Gaurav Shresth, offered his perspectives on Iranian martyr Amir Abdollahian.

Following is the full text of the Tehran Times' interview with the Indian ambassador to Iran:

Q: Could you please tell us about your impression of working with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian?

A: Almost exactly one year back, soon after I arrived in Iran to take up my Ambassadorial assignment, I had the opportunity to present a copy of my Credentials to Foreign Minister His Excellency Amir Abdollahian. He wished me well for my assignment, and gave me valuable guidance about the priorities and issues I should focus on during my time in Iran.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most prominent characteristics of Mr. Amir Abdollahian?

A: Subsequently, I met him again on several occasions, whenever senior Indian dignitaries visited Iran and called upon him for discussions. In particular, I recall the excellent meeting that our External Affairs Minister, Dr. Jaishankar, had with H.E. Amir Abdollahian during his visit to Tehran in January this year. The last time I met Dr. Amir Abdollahian was just a week back, on 13 May 2024, during the visit of our Minister for Ports & Shipping, and soon after the signature of the landmark long-term Contract for India-Iran cooperation in the Chabahar port. The two ministers outlined an ambitious future for bilateral cooperation, not just in Chabahar but on a broader canvas.

Q: How do you evaluate Minister Amir Abdollahian’s contribution to consolidating the relationship with India?

A: On all the occasions that I met him, I found Dr. Amir Abdollahian to be very knowledgeable about the issues being discussed, and very mindful of Iran’s best interests. He and Dr. Jaishankar shared a very warm and mutually respectful relationship, and frequently spoke to each other on phone. I especially recall their frequent communication with each other when Iran’s BRICS membership was under consideration. Today Dr. Jaishankar conveyed his deep shock after hearing the tragic news of Dr. Amir Abdollahian’s passing away.

Q: What are the reactions at the popular and official levels in your country regarding the helicopter crash in Iran?

A: In the loss of His Excellency Amir Abdollahian, India has lost a valuable interlocutor who well understood the civilizational basis of India-Iran friendship, as well as the long-term potential of our bilateral and regional cooperation. May his soul rest in peace.