Iraqi PM, Indian ambassador discuss economic and energy cooperation

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Sunday with India’s newly appointed ambassador to Iraq, Soumen Bagchi, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors, according to Al-Sudani’s media office. Al-Sudani also emphasized the importance of establishing an Iraq-India Economic Cooperation Council.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Sunday, the newly appointed Ambassador of India to Iraq, Mr. Soumen Bagchi.

The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Ambassador on assuming his new duties. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors, expanding mutual cooperation, and preparations for the 19th session of the Iraq-India Joint High Commission.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening ties with India and emphasized the importance of establishing an Iraq-India Economic Cooperation Council and activating the Iraq-India Business Council. He also emphasized the need to organize business delegations from Indian companies to explore investment opportunities in Iraq and promote collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.

Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted Iraq’s interest in joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA), headquartered in India, as part of its commitment to addressing climate change through the promotion of solar energy.

For his part, Ambassador Baghchi expressed India’s deep-rooted and historic ties with Iraq, reiterating the keen interest of Indian companies in investing and operating in Iraq, while affirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral partnerships.