West spoiled our image, Indians should come and see the real Iran

"Dr. Iraj Elahi, the Iranian ambassador to New Delhi, claims in an exclusive interview with India Today that the goal of the visa cancellation program for 33 nations is to correct the false impression that Iran has in the eyes of the international community. Briefly, earlier this month, Iran declared that 33 nations will be allowed entrance without a visa. Iran's ambassador to New Delhi, Dr. Iraj Elahi, claims that the action is intended to correct false impressions about Iran. ""Every tourist who visits Iran will discover that the country is very different from how it is portrayed in the Western media,"" asserts Dr. Elahi. Iran declared earlier this month that Indian passport holders will no longer need a visa to enter the Islamic Republic. As a result, the long-standing friendship between Iran and India is about to enter a new chapter, with Iran considering accepting Indian tourists and resolving travel-related issues. Dr. Iraj Elahi, the Iranian ambassador to New Delhi, claims in an exclusive interview with India Today that the goal of the visa cancellation program for 33 nations is to correct the false impression that Iran has in the eyes of the international community. Earlier, Indian passport holders could enter Iran without a visa.

For what reason was it put on hold? We think that Iran and India's longstanding friendship will be strengthened and heightened by the removal of visa requirements between the two countries. Regretfully, a false impression of Iran has been broadcast by Western media in recent years. To make it easier for individuals from all over the world to visit Iran and witness its reality, 33 nations have cancelled their visa requirements. Every traveler to Iran, we think, will find the nation to be substantially different from what is depicted in the Western media. How does Iran intend to increase travel, particularly for Indian tourists? Iran is ranked in the top ten countries for potential to draw foreign tourists and among the top five countries in the world for cultural assets, according to a 2007 UNESCO survey. Understanding this enormous potential, the Iranian government has recently committed large sums of money to building hotels and other lodging facilities as well as promoting travel. Iran is a desirable travel destination for Indian travelers. "