Iran's relationship with India may have been hit by hiccups in recent years ver its nuclear programme but that has not stopped Tehran from sending one of its biggest business delegations to Mumbai next week to woo Indian industry.

A 40-member team, including three Deputy Ministers, heads of Iranian business associations and industrialists, will be here from March 4 to 7 to explore joint venture opportunities, attract investments and showcase a country that has become a pariah for many nations around the world.

The visitors will take part in a day-long seminar on opportunities and advantages for trade between the two countries, where speakers include G P Hinduja, President of the Hinduja Group, and Ranjit Shahani, President of Novartis India Ltd.

The team will be in Mumbai close on the heels of a visit to New Delhi by Iranian Economy and Finance Minister Danesh Jafari in January and that of a 12-member Confederation of Indian Industry delegation to Tehran last month to boost business links.

“This is one of our best business delegations to this part of the world, both in terms of quality and size,” an Iranian diplomat told The Sunday Express. “There are many opportunities for India in Iran, ranging from mining to petrochemicals and electricity to dry fruits.”

Indian industrialists and External Affairs Ministry officials said it was not just the Iranians who are keen to forge stronger business links with India. The desire was mutual and business was quietly prospering despite the unhappiness of New Delhi’s new friends in Washington, they said.

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