No change in foreign policy with India, irrespective of who becomes Iran Prez: Ambassador Elahi
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New Delhi: The ties between Iran and India are set to remain strong, regardless of the outcome of the Presidential elections. The results, expected this afternoon, see a contest between centrist Masoud Pezeshkian and hardline conservative Saeed Jalili.
Iranians went to the polls on Friday for a Presidential run-off after the June 28th elections were inconclusive, with no candidate achieving a clear majority.
In India, four polling stations were established in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad to accommodate the over 3,000-strong Iranian population residing there.
“There will be no change in the foreign policy between Iran and India, irrespective of who comes to power. Iran and India are involved in the major infrastructural project at Chabahar port, and that agreement will always be honored. Infrastructure development is a key aspect of cooperation between our two nations,” said Iranian Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi.
In Delhi, Iranian voters were seen pressing their thumbs against an ink stamp before marking their chosen candidate. Voters are identified by an identification number, similar to India’s Aadhar system, which must match the number listed in the voting system.
The election results will be announced on July 6th.
In the June 28th poll, Pezeshkian led with 42.5% of the votes, while Jalili garnered 38.7%. Both fell short of an outright majority. In Iran, a candidate must secure 50% +1 votes to win, but in the run-off, the candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner.
Pezeshkian, a physician and former Minister of Health, contrasts with Jalili, who served as deputy foreign minister and National Security Advisor of Iran and was a negotiator on nuclear issues.
“The difference between the two candidates lies in their political positions. However, foreign policy, led by the Supreme Leader and other high-ranking officials, is unlikely to change. Pezeshkian is open to engaging with the West to lift sanctions, while Jalili upholds Iran’s internal stance on nuclear issues,” added Ambassador Elahi, noting that many Iranians believe that even if they reconnect with the West, sanctions might still be imposed for various reasons.