Memorandum of Understanding12^th Session of the Joint Commission

Between The Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Iran May 20-21, 2002

The 12^th Session of the Indo-Iran Joint Commission was held in New Delhi on May 20-21, 2002

2. H.E. Shri Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs of India and H.E. Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran led their respective delegations. The list of both delegations is attached hereto as Annex.I.

3. During his stay in Delhi, H.E. Mr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi called on Prime Minister of India H.E. Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also had bilateral meetings with the External Affairs Minister.

4. While reviewing development of friendly relations between India and Iran, two Sides noted with satisfaction the constitution of institutional and legal mechanisms for the expansion and intensification of bilateral ties between the two Sides. The two Sides reiterated their commitment to further expand and strengthen bilateral ties.

5. During the meetings the two Sides reviewed regional and international developments. The two Sides held discussions on the matters relating to humanitarian and other reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan. Both Sides agreed that they should work together to implement reconstruction projects in Afghanistan.

6. After reviewing implementation of the decision taken at the 11^th meeting of the Joint Commission held in May 2000 in Tehran, the two Sides agreed for further expansion and diversification of cooperation in the economic, commercial, scientific, technical, cultural and consular fields.

7. In advance of the 12^th Meeting of the Joint Committee, the first meeting of the India-Iran Joint Working Group on Information Technology was held on 17^th May, 2002. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Rajeeva Ratna Shah, Secretary Department of Information Technology, on the Indian Side and Mr. M. Hassan Entezari, Adviser to President of Islamic Republic of Iran on the Iranian Side

8. Both Sides explored the possibility of cooperation on the IT sector and agreed to work together in areas of mutual interest which included consultancy in IT, projects in education and establishment of joint ventures for training manpower in IT, software design workshops, etc. For setting up a Software Technology Park in Iran, a proposal for providing consultancy on commercial terms was mooted. The Agreed Minutes of the Joint Working Meeting are attached at annexure-II.

9. Detailed discussions for cooperation were held by the Committees, set up by the Joint Commission. These Committees are:

A. Petroleum and Natural Gas Committee

B. Trade Committee

C. Transport and Communications Committee

D. Industrial Committee

E. Agricultural and Rural Development Committee

F. Culture, Consular, and Science and Technology Committee.

Cooperation in Petroleum, Natural Gas and Petro Chemical Sector

10. Both Sides noted with satisfaction the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the field of Petroleum and natural gas. The route survey on offshore route is in progress in Iran and India.

11. The two Sides referred to the visit of Iranian Oil Minister H.E. Mr. Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, and agreed that India-Iran cooperation in this field should grow beyond the framework of buyer-seller relationship. Indian companies could participate in joint exploration projects, as well as cooperate with Iran in the field of CNG.

12. Madras Fertilizers Ltd (MFL): The Indian Side have informed the Iranian Side the decision of the Government to disinvest GOI’s part equity in the MFL. The Iranian Side noted the decision and stated that it will be conveyed to the relevant Iranian authorities.

Commercial Cooperation

13. Both Sides expressed their satisfaction over diversified trade exchanges between the two countries and smooth functioning of settlement of trade within Asian Clearing Union. The two Sides emphasized on the strengthening and expansion of the Union for further regional monetary cooperation.

Review of India-Iran Bilateral Trade

14. While reviewing the trend of economic and commercial relations between the two countries, both Sides observed that the volume of bilateral trade at present stands at above US$ 2 billion, of which 75% by value accounts for the oil imports from Iran to India. This trade volume does not reflect its full potential. The two Sides emphasized the need to increase bilateral trade by taking effective and positive measures for further promotion and diversification of trade exchanges between the two countries.

Identification of specific commodities for import, and export to increase bilateral trade

15. Items like carpets, caviar, handicrafts, dry fruits specially pistachio, saffron, iron and steel, aluminum, Optical equipment, Chemical products, fertilizers, Industrial Machinery, pharmaceuticals etc., besides agricultural and horticultural products were suggested by the Iranian Side for import by India.

16. The Indian Side suggested greater imports by Iran from India of items like automotive components, drugs & pharmaceuticals, iron ore, rice, sugar, edible oil, poultry feed, engineering goods specially Textile Machinery.

Trade Promotion Measures

17. Both Sides agreed to adopt all measures to boost the bilateral trade promotion. These include greater participation in each other’s trade fairs; organising buyer-seller meets; review of bilateral trade; frequent exchange of delegations; holding joint trade committee/joint business council meetings etc. The two Sides consented to cooperate in organizing specialized trade fairs in each other’s territory and stressed the need for encouraging their firms and manufacturers to participate in such fairs. They also agreed to extend required facilities for exhibiting goods at such fairs, as per prevalent regulations.

18. Both Sides have agreed to expedite the conclusion of MOU between India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Iran International Exhibition Company.

19. With a view to enhance the bilateral trade under the provisions of new trade Agreement signed in April, 2001, the Indian Side requested the Iranian Side to facilitate the export of Indian products like tea etc. to the CIS countries.

20. The Indian Side agreed to examine, upon receipt, the request of Iranian Side to train the tea tasters from Iran.

21. In order to promote bilateral economic cooperation, both Sides agreed to share and exchange the trade information, foreign trade policies, tariff documents, rules and regulations and other economic information.

22. Both Sides expressed their readiness to invite their industrialists, traders and trade institutions for investing in each other’s free trade/industrial zones. To this end, both Sides agreed to create awareness about their free trade zones and investment opportunities by organizing seminars for participation by interested traders and industrialists in their respective countries. Both Sides agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation in Free Trade Zones/Special Economic Zones.

23. Both Sides agreed to expedite the negotiations for finalizing the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

24. The issue of outstanding dues of M/s. Saleh Bros., Iran, with M/s. Maximax Impex, New Delhi, was raised by the Iranian Side. The Indian Side informed that the case was under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Mutual Cooperation in Afghanistan

25. Both Sides agreed to explore the possibility of cooperation in Afghanistan.

MOU between ECGC of India and EGFI of Iran

26. The two Sides observed that Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) and Export Guarantee Fund of Iran (EGFI) have agreed to sign an MOU for cooperation during the current JCM.

Cooperation between KIOCL(India) and NISCO of Iran in the matter of Export of Iron Ore to Iran.

27. Both Sides agreed to honour the MOU already signed between the National Iranian Steel Co.(NISCO) and Kudremukh Iron Ore Co. Ltd. (KIOCL).

Cooperation in Transport and Communication

SHIPPING

28. Both Sides decided to finalise the date for the Second Meeting of the Joint Working Committee in two weeks.

29. Both countries have training facilities of high quality for training of seafarers. If any of the country has a specific proposal of imparting training that can also be discussed in the forthcoming meeting of JWC.

30. With regard to items No.2, 3 & 4 of the MOU signed on 1.11.2000 (copy enclosed as Annexure-I of the Agreed Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee on Transport and Communication), Iranian Side responded that these issues have been settled. But the Indian Side stated that there are certain outstanding issues, which are yet to be settled fully. Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, will be sending details of these issues to Iranian Side.

31. Iranian Side gave certain items of negotiation and cooperation, which are placed as Annexure-II of the Agreed Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee on Transport and Communication. Indian Side stated that since the Iranian Agenda has been given only 19 May, 2002, an appropriate response will be given in a month’s time.

32. The Iranian Side gave the following two proposals for consideration-

• Cooperation of State Bank of India for providing soft loan facilities for acquisition of a VLCC and Suezmax Tanker Vessels by IHSC.
  

• Requested Indian Side to take necessary steps for removing obstacles in on time berthing of Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) vessels in major ports of India.

The Indian Side agreed to take up these issues in the Joint Working Committee.

CIVIL AVIATION

33. Both Sides expressed that finalizing of the Agreement on Air Transportation has the important role for expansion of air transport cooperation between two countries. In this regard, it was agreed that the meeting for above-mentioned subject should be organized early in the future. Date and venue of this meeting will be determined through diplomatic channel.

RAILWAYS

34. The Iranian Side requested that the cost of training as mentioned in RITES various proposals be reviewed. The Indian Side agreed to review.

35. The Iranian Side advised that there was no limitation for engagement of foreign companies for providing consultancy services in Iran.

36. Both Sides agreed to transfer technical knowledge and experiences, particularly in the fields of heavy haul wagons, container dry ports, Mechanised track maintenance and reduction of rail accidents. This will be done through RITES and CONCOR.

37. RITES proposals for providing services in respect of the following would be considered by the concerned departments of IIRR:

1. Training need assessment of locomotive drivers

2. Development of Master Plan for Transport for the country

3. Development of new passenger terminal in Tehran

38. Iranian Side stated that they are interested in purchase of spare parts of GM locomotives and track machines. The Iranian Side were requested to provide list and quantity of spare parts required.

39. CONCOR is a company in India, having considerable expertise in development of Inland Container Depot and rail-based container movement. It has sent a proposal, offering consultancy to the Iranian Side for setting up Container Terminals in Iran. The proposal was sent in August, 2000 along with details of the expertise available with CONCOR. Iranian Side expressed that they will respond within one month.

40. Iranian authorities wanted a proposal for leasing of locomotives. It was indicated by IRCON that Indian Railways manufactures locomotives for the gauge of 1676 mm and 1000 mm, while a majority of requirement for the Iranian Railways is for gauge of 1435 mm. Iranian authorities should indicate number of locos required for the next 5 to 7 years so that a proper proposal can be prepared and submitted. Iranian authorities agreed to provide information at the earliest possible.

41. Iranian Side asked IRCON to complete the Shahrood-Mashhad signaling project up to end of year of 2002. Indian Side explained that all material has already been supplied by March, 2002. As per the contract, the installation is to be done by IIRR under supervision of IRCON. IRCON’s supervision team is already in place in Iran.

42. Indian Side mentioned that under the current signaling project, signaling between Shahrood to Mashhad and Sarakhs is being provided. However 7 stations between Mashhad and Sarakhs are not being provided with any signaling. As the section will be carrying international container traffic, signaling has to be provided on the section. IRCON has already submitted a proposal to this effect to both IIRR and DCDR. An early response to this proposal was requested.

43. Indian Side stated that IRCON can participate in the following projects -

(i) Construction of high-speed line between Ghom to Esphan.

(ii) Signalling on the new line being constructed between Bufgh-Mashad. Iranian authorities indicated that they are interested in signaling of this section, as this line is being constructed on a priority route. However, it was indicated that Iran is looking for financing of the Project. IRCON indicated that they are agreeable to do the project on ‘deferred payment’ basis.

(iii) Signalling on Kerman-Zahedan section. Iranian authorities indicated that a work on this section is yet to be taken up and the proposal can be considered as and when the construction of this line is taken up.

(iv) Electrification - Indian Side stated that IRCON have extensive international experience in electrification of railway lines and can take up electrification projects in Iran. Iranian authorities indicated that they will revert back, in case they consider some projects for electrification.

44. Iranian Side proposed to establish Joint Railway Committee to promote cooperation in rail sector. Indian Side stated that they are open to the idea of Joint Railway Committee.

CUSTOMS

45. Indian Side was ready to discuss proposals for Harmonization of Customs Procedures to facilitate the movement of goods and containers under the Indo-Iran-Turkmenistan Trilateral Agreement as well as the North-South Corridor Agreement. The Iranian Side expressed that they will communicate the said matter to the relevant organization in Iran as early as possible.

COMMUNICATION & NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES

46. Both Sides emphasized to follow-up and pursue to implement further within the scope of agreed minutes of the last JCM and 1^st Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting in the field of Post and Telecommunication.

47. Both Sides have full capabilities of manufacturing Solar Photovoltaic Cells and Systems. Technology Transfer for cells modules including various systems is possible. Two parties agreed that a technical collaboration may be considered to upgrade technical capabilities and find export market jointly in the SPC area.

Industrial, Technical and Investment Cooperation

48. Automobile Sector: The two Sides expressed satisfaction at the level of the negotiations going on between the car manufacturers of the two countries particularly between TELCO and Iran Khodro and Maruti with Pars Khodro for the transfer of technology and joint manufacturing in Iran and India. The two Sides agreed to support the above initiatives and would also extend necessary support for further cooperation. Recognising the high potential that exists for Indo-Iranian cooperation in the automotive industry, both Sides agreed to encourage industry to industry linkages and technology transfer arrangements as also reciprocal sourcing of automotive parts and components production sharing etc. to enhance the cost and quality effectiveness from both Sides.

49. Paper & Pulp: The Central Pulp and Paper Research Institute of India (CPPRI) offered to assist the Iranian Paper Industry in the areas of exchange and transfer of technology, training and HRD in different fields related to the Paper sector. Iranian Side took note of the offer made and assured that they would revert back.

50. Drugs & Pharmaceuticals: Both Sides agreed to extend cooperation in entering into collaborative arrangements in the area of research & development in the drugs and pharma sector and to support and facilitate the registration of drugs and establishment of Joint Ventures in each other’s country.

51. Textile Sector: Considering Iran’s programme for renovation and modernisation of its textile industry and India’s strength in this regard, both Sides agreed to support the promotion and cooperation amongst the relevant enterprises of both the countries. The Indian Textile Machinery Manufacturers offered to collaborate with its Iranian counterparts in supply and up gradation of machinery, management and operation of textile plants, human resource development etc.

52. Power Sector: The Indian Side took note of the rapid expansion of the Iranian power sector and informed the Iranian Side that major Indian companies like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T) can participate in projects, supply of equipments and consultancy. They also suggested that Indian and Iranian companies could also undertake joint projects in their respective countries and also third countries. Both Sides agreed to follow-up the present discussions for production cooperation in the field of medium sized hydro-electric plants between the Indian company (BHEL) with its Iranian counterpart (IDRO).

53. SME Sector: In the Small & Medium Enterprises, the two Sides agreed to identify scopes for transfer of technology and know-how in the development of SME sector in Iran. The Iranian Side requested for Indian assistance in training of their entrepreneurs in the Entrepreneurs’ Development Institute of India (EDI) Ahmedabad, Gujarat / National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)/Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and also training of trainers by Indian experts under Scholarship Schemes offered by India. The two Sides also agreed to encourage SMEs of the both countries for closer cooperation by setting up of joint ventures and joint marketing of products. The Iranian Side also requested for Indian assistance for the establishment of industrial clusters in the SME sector. The two Sides agreed to share their experiences in the fields of establishment of joint ventures and technology up gradation in the SME sector (particularly with cap-tech technology).

54. Bio-Technology: Both Sides reiterated their interest in cooperation in biotechnology between the two countries and agreed that they would identify specific areas for the establishment of joint ventures specially where India has the strength, like industrial enzymes, pharmaceuticals, conventional and recombinant vaccines and diagnostics, plant tissue culture, seed sectors etc. as also training and HRD. For this the Department of Bio-technology from the Indian Side and from the Iranian Side Ministry of Agriculture, Razi Institute and Pasteur Institute of Iran were identified as the nodal agencies for effective implementation of the programme.

55. Cement Sector: Taking note of the rapid strides made in the ongoing Joint Venture project M/S Iran & India Cement Engineering Consultancy Company established between the Associated Cement Company (ACC) of India and Pars and Khuzestan Cement Company (FKCC), Iran in the field of Consultancy Services in the Cement sector, both Sides agreed to promote their mutual cooperation in this area.

56. Health Sector: The Indian Side proposed exploring the possibilities of cooperation in the Herbs & Ayurvedic medicine sector and suggested the following areas for mutual cooperation: (a) Exchange of experts on Medicinal Plants & Ayurveda on tours to identify the possibility of cooperation in the field of Ayurveda in Iran; (b) Exchange of Students for BAMS Course; and (c) Promotion of Ayurveda Medicine and research. The Iranian Side took note of the Indian proposal and requested for setting up of joint ventures in manufacturing raw pharmaceutical materials, especially with plant sources. The Indian Side took note of the Iranian request.

57. Consultancy: The two Sides agreed to encourage their respective consultancy companies for executing the joint projects in various fields in India and Iran.

58. Cooperation in the Third Country Projects: The two Sides agreed to explore the possibilities of setting up of projects in the third countries. The Indian Side expressed its keenness to have cooperation with Iranian counterparts in the Government and private sectors for jointly undertaking construction projects in third countries in the areas of agro industries, small scale industries, health care, textiles, power, civil works, roads, rail, airports, telecommunications, transport, services and education.

Cooperation in Agricultural and Rural Development

59. The two Sides, expressing their deep concern over the severe drought conditions in the region, agreed to cooperate in combating drought by organising short term courses for Iranian experts and sending Indian experts to introduce plant varieties resistant to drought conditions and exchange information on combating the drought conditions.

60. Both Sides emphasized the need for organizing training courses and exchange of information and experience required to encourage cooperative ventures in both countries. It would be in the interest of Cooperative Institutions in both the countries if bilateral trade could be encouraged for products of Cooperative Sector. The Indian Side offered the expertise of National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in popularizing the goals and achievements of the cooperative movement. The Iranian Side stated that they would be proposing a visit to NCDC shortly.

61. While emphasizing the need for implementation of Work Plan signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the AREEO of Iran on October 24, 1997 for the period 1997-2002, both Sides agreed to continue the implementation of the items agreed by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in the 12^th Joint Commission in the following areas:-

(i) Admission of Iranian students in the Indian State Agricultural Universities as well as other universities which hold agricultural and animal husbandry courses especially for Ph.D studies.

(ii) Organise short-term training courses by Indian experts in the fields of animal husbandry, soil salinity, oil seeds, soil preservation, agricultural extension, remote sensing techniques, soil improvement, forestry and pasture management, fisheries and rural development.

(iii) To cooperate in the filed of food technology, nutrition, livestock and beekeeping.

(iv) To exchange information and experiences and also to conduct joint research projects in the filed of biotechnology under the Indo-Iran scientific and technology cooperation programme.

(v) To cooperate in the fields of combating desertification, sand dune fixation and watershed management.

(vi) To provide sabbatical and research opportunities with a view to promote information level.

(vii) Both Sides emphasised the need for cooperation in the field of fisheries research and training.

(viii) The two Sides further emphasized the need to effectively cooperate in the exchange of germplasm of various horticulture and agricultural crops.

ix) Iranian Side expressed its willingness towards using Indian consultancy, on the issues relating to WTO particularly in agricultural sector. Indian Side agreed to provide necessary consultancy on request.

x) In order to protect both countries intellectual property rights on hand woven carpets, Iranian Side expressed its readiness to jointly prepare an international legal draft in accordance with existing international conventions. Indian Side noted the matter and agreed to convey this to the relevant party in India.

xi) Both Sides agreed to expand cooperation in the field of Plant Protection and Quarantine in accordance with international conventions and agreements. Both Sides would exchange delegations in this regard.

xii) Both Sides agreed to cooperate for protection of intellectual property rights of valuable heritage of bio-diversity and genetic resources within the two countries through exchange of experience.

xiii) To cooperate for conservation, security and preservation of all natural resources including bio-diversity and water in micro and macro level.

62. It was mutually decided to formulate a Working Group, within a period of two months, with representatives from both Sides to follow-up the execution of the agreed minutes and suggest necessary measures for its development. It was further decided that a Work Plan would be developed through mutual consent within a period of two months based on the identified areas of cooperation.

Cultural, Consular, Scientific and Technological Cooperation

63. Two Sides reviewed the progress on the implementation of the decisions of the Committee as incorporated in the MoU of the 11^th Meeting of India-Iran Joint Commission meeting. The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and the two Sides agreed to incorporate the following paragraphs as decisions of the Committee on Cultural, Consular, Scientific and Technological Cooperation for inclusion into the MoU of the 12^th Joint Commission meeting between the two countries

64. The two Sides agreed that the provisions of the Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2000-2002 could have been better implemented. Indian Side proposed that it would be more appropriate to extend the validity of the current Cultural Exchange Programme, rather than sign a new one. The Iranian Side, however, proposed a revised text for fresh signatures of the CEP 2002-2004. The Indian Side agreed to examine the Iranian proposal and would revert with its response in this matter.

65. Both Sides expressed satisfaction that the decisions to hold conferences in the years 2000-2001 in India and Iran, to promote the concept of Dialogue among Civilizations and to emphasize the importance of culture in mutual enrichment, was fully implemented. An India-Iran seminar on Dialogue among Civilization was held in India in November 2000 and First Asian Conference on Dialogue among Civilization was held in Tehran in February 2001. The Iranian Side proposed that bilateral interaction in the framework of Dialogue among Civilization should continue to be held annually. The Indian Side agreed to the Iranian proposal. Further details would be finalized by the two Sides subsequently.

66. The Iranian Side proposed, in principle, setting up of a Center for Iran-India studies, with a branch each in Delhi and Tehran. The Iranian Side would send a formal proposal in this regard. The Indian Side agreed to examine the proposal.

67. In order to expedite the meeting of the Working Group to work out the details for tourism cooperation, the Indian Side suggested the dates of 24-26 June 2002, or in the first week of July, for the first meeting of the Joint Working Group to be held in Tehran. The Iranian Side agreed in principle and would confirm the dates on its return to Tehran.

68. The Committee discussed visa and Consular matters in detail and emphasised the need to provide visa facilities to tourists, businessmen, teachers, students, research scholars, diplomats and officials of both countries. To promote commercial and economic contacts, both Sides agreed to issue multiple entry visas to businessmen and streamline legalisation and attestation of documents at reasonable charges as required by the respective laws and regulations. These issues will be continue to be reviewed quarterly by the concerned authorities in New Delhi and Tehran and corrective action will be taken when necessary. Iranian Side conveyed a decision that Indian businessmen would henceforth be granted 3-6 months multiple entry business visas. The Iranian Side also suggested that diplomatic and official passport holders of India and Iran be allowed to travel to each other’s country without any visa. The Indian Side agreed to transmit the Iranian proposal to the concerned Indian authorities.

69. As regards consular access to the detainees, the two Sides agreed to provide information about detention and consular access within 4 weeks of the detention, and facilitate deportation before the expiry of the deadline set for this purpose. Both Sides agreed that the detained Indian nationals in Iran and Iranian nationals in India will not be sent to a third country without prior notification to the diplomatic Mission of the concerned country. The mechanism of prior notification would be worked out subsequently between the two Sides.

70. Both Sides agreed to take necessary legal measures to grant long- term residence permit to children of citizens of one country residing in the other country. Iranian Side informed that Iranian authorities have agreed, as a first step, to grant one year multiple entry visas for children of Indian nationals requiring residence permit to stay in Iran.

71. The Indian Side raised the issue of non-issuance of Commercial cards to Indian businessmen, who have been long-term residents in Iran. It was stated that the matter of issue of Commercial Cards to the Indian businessmen should also be examined on the basis of reciprocity. The Iranian Side agreed to examine the matter for expeditious resolution.

72. Both Sides agreed to take necessary measures for concluding an extradition agreement and until then to cooperate and assist in this regard as per national rules and regulations. Both Sides noted that the matter had already been discussed in detail in talks between the senior officials of the Home Ministries of the two countries in February 2002. It was stated that the Indian drafts of the Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Criminal Matters were handed over to the Iranian delegation during the meeting in February 2002.

73. Both Sides agreed that science & technology and Information Technology cooperation forms an important component of bilateral economic and S & T relations and there was a need to utilize the existing potential for bilateral cooperation in this field. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in India and Iranian Research Organisation for Science and Technology (IROST) on the Iranian Side will be responsible for coordinating and implementing agreed items of cooperation in the field of Science and Technology.

74. It was noted that the Iranian Side has extended an invitation for the visit of the Indian Minister for Science and Technology to Iran in June/July this year, to discuss the policy issues in furthering cooperation in science and technology. The Iranian Side also expressed their interest to organize the meeting of the Joint Working Group to coincide with the visit. The Iranian Side would be forwarding specific proposal in this regard for further examination by the Indian Side.

Done in New Delhi on May 21, 2002 in two English and Farsi copies, all texts being equally authentic. In case of disagreement, the English text shall prevail.

On behalf of On behalf of

the Government of India the Government of the
Islamic Republic of Iran

Jaswant Singh Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharazi
Minister of External Affairs Minister of Foreign Affairs

Annexure-I

Composition of Iranian Delegation

1. H.E. Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, Foreign Minister

2. H.E. Mr. M. Moosavi, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to India

3. H.E. Mr. Barat Qanbari, Deputy Minister of Post, Telegraph & Communication

4. H.E. Mr. Zargar Yaqubi, Director General of West Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5. H.E. Mr. Masjid Jamei, Director General of Cultural Affair, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

6. Mr. Ali Naghi Khamoshi, President, Iran Chambers of Commerce Industry and Mine

7. Mr. Sayeed Mojtahid Sulemani, Director General, International Affairs, Ministry of Road & Transport

8. Mr. Hasan Entezari, Director General of Interantional Cooperation and Advisor to Science, Research and Technology Minister

9. Mr. Masoom Fardis, Director General of Post, Telegraph & Communication

10. Mr. Majid Kiani, Director General, International Affairs of Asia & Pacific, Ministry of Commerce

11. Mr. Nasr Azadani, Director General of Railways Development

12. Mr. Aboulfazal Rahnama, Deputy Director General, Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13. Mr. Pirooz Ghofrani, Deputy Director General, First West Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14. Mr. Kambiz Talebi, Director, HRD & Employment, Ministry of Small Scale Industry

15. Mr. Kamran Farzam, Director of International Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture Crusade

16. Mr. Nasrullah Muqaddam, Deputy Director, Centre for Telecommunication Research of Iran

***********

Composition of Indian Delegation

1. H.E. Mr. Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs

2. Ms. Chokila Iyer, Foreign Secretary

3. Mr. Pripuran Singh Haer, Ambassador of India to Islamic Republic of Iran

4. Ms. Suryakanthi Tripathi, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relation

5. Ms. Shashi Mishra Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture.

6. Mr. Skand Tayal, Joint Secretary (CPV), Ministry of External Affairs

7. Mr. Arun K. Singh, Joint Secretary (IPA) Ministry of External Affairs

8. Mr. Shivraj Singh, Joint Secretary (Refineries), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

9. Mr. M.V.P.C Sastry, Joint Secretary (FT-WANA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry

10. Mr. R.K. Jain, Executive Director (Perspective Planning), Ministry of Railways

11. Mr. S. Jagdeesan, Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion

12. Mr. S. Lakshminarayanan, Joint Secretary, Department of Information Technology

13. Mr. Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman & Managing Director, Gas Authority of India Limited

14. Mr. Vinay Kwatra, Director (IA), Ministry of External Affairs

India Bilateral

Ministry Of External Affairs, India