Iran, India old friends, share interests: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India and Iran shared interest in the growth and prosperity of each other and that it was a privilege for him to visit the Islamic republic.

"India and Iran are not new friends. Our `dosti` (friendship) is as old as history," Modi said in a joint media conference with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani here.

"As friends and neighbours, we have shared interest in each other`s growth and prosperity, and joys and sorrows," Modi said.

Praising the Persian heritage, he said, "the beauty and richness of the Persian heritage has attracted the world to Iran".

"For me, visiting Iran is indeed a great privilege," he added.