From visiting Gurudwara to deepening ties, PM Modi's Iran visit in pics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived Tehran on Sunday . On the very first day he he left for a local Gurudwara to meet people of Indian origin here. Animated by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we Indians make every country our home. PM said while addresses community.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Mehrabad airport in Tehran on his two days visit in Iran on Sunday.

Looking to strengthen connectivity, infrastructure and energy ties with the gulf nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Iran on Sunday on a two-day visit, during which a crucial agreement is expected to be signed on developing the strategic Chabahar port.

After landing in Tehran, Modi tweeted, "Reached Iran, a land with whom India shares civilisational ties. Hope to enhance economic partnership between our nations. I also hope my Iran visit further cements cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Iran." Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Iran in 15 years on a bilateral visit after Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

On the first day of his visit Modi began his engagements paying obeisance to the capital city's only functioning at Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurudwara in Tehran.

He applauded the efforts of the Sikh community in the Persian Gulf nation for preserving and spreading the culture and tradition of India. "We accept all the people as our own and absorb them in our society because we believe in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the entire world is one family. Animated by this spirit, we Indians make every country our home," Modi told the gathering at the gurudwara

PM Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister having visited Iran in the last 15 years, was received at the Mehrabad International Airport by Iran's Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ali Tayyebnia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Ali Tayebnia, Iran's Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance in Iran on Sunday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today accorded a ceremonial welcome as he met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for talks to deepen trade, investment and energy ties.

Military bands played national anthems of the two countries after which Modi inspected guard of honour.

Following this, the two leaders had a 30-minute restricted meeting to discuss bilateral issues of strategic and business importance. Delegation-level talks followed it, leading to signing of agreements on development of Chahabar port on southern coast of Iran, setting up of an aluminium smelter plant and rail line.

"We Indians have a specialty. We accept everyone and assimilate with everyone," PM Modi said while addressing a community gathering at the Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurudwara.

PM Mosi participates in India, Iran delegation-level talks.