The weekend visit by the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council Admiral Ali Shamkhani to Delhi marks a defining moment in India-Iran strategic cooperation.

In his talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Shamkhani conveyed Tehrans interest in reviving trilateral India-Iran-Russia cooperation over the security and stability of Afghanistan. Doval reportedly concurred with the idea.(FARS)

Earlier, on Friday, during his call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shamkhani called for enhanced cooperation in the struggle against terrorism. Shamkhani suggested that cultural cooperation between the two countries can prevent the infiltration of Takfiri groups into Indias Muslim community. PM stressed the importance of fighting the ideological roots of Takfiri terrorism. (Iran Daily)

Indeed, these are highly topical issues. Doval has taken a brilliant initiative by inviting Shamkhani for consultations at a sensitive juncture in regional security when there are gathering storms in the relations with Pakistan and the shadows of the Islamic State are creeping closer to India.

READ the full post by former diplomat Mk Bhadrakumar