Iran has determined to take away visa necessities for guests from India and 32 different international locations to boost tourism and promote worldwide goodwill. With this, Iran has turn out to be the fourth nation – after Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam – that has eliminated visa necessities for travellers from India. 

Iran’s Tourism Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami mentioned the choice was aimed toward boosting tourism and attracting extra guests from international locations all over the world. He additionally mentioned that the efforts to spice up tourism can neutralise Iranophobia campaigns. 

The newly applied visa-waiver programme in Iran extends to a complete of 33 international locations, together with Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Mauritius, Seychelles, Japan, Bosnia, Tanzania, and Vietnam, amongst others.

Iran has beforehand launched visa-waiver programmes for a number of international locations, together with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Oman, China, Armenia, Lebanon, and Syria.

The Islamic Republic Information Company reported that the variety of overseas arrivals in Iran reached 4.4 million throughout the first eight months of the present Iranian 12 months (began on March 21), a rise of 48.5 per cent in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months.

Iran’s transfer comes at a time when Tehran-backed forces are concerned in direct battle with Israel within the Center East. Iran backs the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas, which carried out the deadliest shock assault on Israel on October 7. In response, Israel has flattened Gaza, a territory earlier managed by Hamas. Tehran additionally backs Lebanese Shia Islamist organisation Hezbollah, which is energetic on Israel’s northern border.

Because the battle between Hamas and Israel started, Iran warned Tel Aviv of grave penalties if the Israeli forces entered Gaza. Nevertheless, the US warned Tehran in opposition to any interference and suggested the federal government to keep away from the battle.