Centuries-Old India-Iran Bond Seen in Welcome to Iranian President

New Delhi | Shabu Zaidi

The welcome accorded to Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, who arrived in Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit, was particularly special. At the Oberoi Hotel, religious leaders from different faiths met with the Iranian President.

During the meeting, the remarks of a Sikh religious leader drew special attention. He said that the relationship between India and Iran dates back thousands of years.

Referring to the famous saying, “Haath kangan ko aarsi kya, padhe-likhe ko Farsi kya” (“What need is there for a mirror to see a bangle on the hand, or for the learned to prove their knowledge of Persian?”), he highlighted the deep cultural ties between India and Iran. He also recalled that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had travelled to Iran and shared a deep affection for its people.

Jain religious leaders were also present at the gathering, along with Shia clerics from Lucknow, including Maulana Kalbe Jawad and Maulana Yasub Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board. Maulana Yasub Abbas also held a personal meeting with the Iranian President and discussed matters concerning the Shia community in India.

The meeting presented a beautiful picture of India’s religious diversity, mutual respect and the centuries-old friendship between India and Iran.