India has got recognition in Central Asia due to PM Modi: Dharmendra Pradhan

Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Iran, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said he has become an ideal man of Iran and India has got recognition in Central Asia only due to the Prime Minister.

In an exclusive interview to ETV News head Jagdish Chandra, Pradhan said the Gulf countries have trusted the Prime Minister and wants to know the developmental works done by him in India.

"Gulf countries like Iran, Saudi Arab have trusted our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Saudi Arab conferred Modi with their highest Civilian Award. When I talked to chief Planning Commissioner of Iran, he wanted to know how Modi rebuilt Gujarat and how he is doing the welfare work in India. They want to take similar steps. Modi has become ideal man of Iran. UAE honours Modi. Modi has become an ideal among Bangladesh civilians. Their leadership takes reference of Modiji for their projects. India got recognition in Central Asia due to Modi," Pradhan said in ETV's popular 'The J C Show'.

Pradhan also said that the payment issues with Iran would be sorted out during PM's visit on May 21.

"It has been sorted out. It's their money. We had purchased oil during their difficult times. The money lies in our banks. Initially, there was difficulty in payment transaction through banking channels. But, it has been sorted out. There are some administrative process involved in this. We have to give them money any how," he said.

"We are also going to invest in Iran, UAE and Saudi Arab. They are also going to invest in India. We have with consensus decided that this relations will not be like between buyer-seller. We will develop Special Strategic Relations," Pradhan added.