Iran's Push to Bolster Tourism Ties with India

Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasizes the need for stronger tourism collaboration between Iran and India. Elahi addresses mutual knowledge gaps and highlights new visa-free policies for Indian tourists to promote travel exchanges.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, emphasized strengthening tourism ties between Iran and India, highlighting longstanding people-to-people relations. Speaking at an event focused on boosting tourism, Elahi noted a decline in mutual knowledge about each country's developments. 'Iran and India have had good people-to-people relations. Tourism is the best symbol of these relations,' Elahi said.

Elahi stressed that the goal isn't just attracting Indian tourists to Iran but fostering mutual travel exchanges. 'As Ambassador of Iran, I try to attract Iranian tourists to India. It is one of my duties. At the same time, I also try to attract Indian tourists,' he added. He mentioned that Indian passport holders are now exempt from visa requirements, which simplifies travel logistics. 'Indians do not need to scan their passports during entry or departure, and there are no concerns about traveling to other countries after visiting Iran,' Elahi noted.

Addressing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Israel, Elahi dismissed significant impacts on tourism. 'The current tension between Iran and Israel is not a new thing. For more than 40 years, we've had this tension. Israel is waiting for Iran's retaliation, and we will respond at the right time when we have a plan,' he said. He acknowledged travel advisories from India's Ministry of External Affairs but stressed that tourists from other countries, especially Europe, continue to visit Iran.

Elahi extended a personal invitation to Indian tourists, urging them to visit Iran and experience its culture firsthand. 'I invite Indian people to come to Iran and see it as it is. Unfortunately, the mainstream media is giving misinformation, trying to manipulate perceptions. Indians can easily travel to Iran on a direct flight without a visa. It's just a three-and-a-half-hour flight, and they can buy good souvenirs from Iran,' he remarked. Iran aims to attract Indian tourists and encourage more Iranians to explore India by easing visa requirements and addressing logistical hurdles.

(With inputs from agencies.)