RNA - "Undoubtedly, Iran enjoys the most influence in the region," President Rouahni said on Friday, addressing a group of Iranian expatriates in the Indian city of Hyderabad.
"We will continue out support for Iraq and Syria," the Iranian president added.
The Iranian president, meantime, pointed to the status quo of Tehran-New Delhi relations, and said, "The two countries enjoy good level of bilateral ties."
President Rouhani also referred to Qutb Shahi dynasty that was ruling Southern India for hundreds of years, and said, "It indicates that Iranians have been pioneer in maintaining cultural and trade ties with India."
According to Fars News Agancy, Rouhani's visit is taking place at the official invitation of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who also visited Iran last year.
President Rouhani is accompanied by Iranian Ministers of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, Oil Minister Bijan Zangeneh, Road and Urban Development Mohammad Akhoundi, and Industry Mohammad Shariatmadari.
A large delegation from Iranian private sector businessmen and tradesmen are also in India as part of the President's Rouhani delegation.
Iranian president will travel to the capital New Delhi where he is to receive an official welcome by the highest ranking
Indian officials and meet with Indian President Ram Nath Konvid, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
He is also to take part in Iran-India economic gathering.
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