Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday on a brief visit during which the two sides will review the progress on trilateral gas pipeline and bilateral Liquefied Natural Gas project.

Ahmadinejad, who is the first Iranian Head of State to undertake a visit New Delhi in five years, was received warmly by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed at the Indira Gandhi [Images] International Airport.

As the media persons vied with each other for the best photo opportunities, the Iranian leader mingled with officials of both countries at the airport. An Iranian child particularly caught his attention and he was seen listening to him and speaking something in his ear.

Ahmadinejad, who arrived in New Delhi from Sri Lanka [Images], will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on a wide range of issues during his five-hour visit.

The proposed Iran-Pakistan-India and Liquefied Natural Gas projects are expected to dominate the discussions. Issues surrounding Iran's controversial nuclear programme are also expected to figure prominently.

This will be the second meeting between Dr Singh and Ahmadinejad in nearly two years as the two leaders had last met in September 2006 in Havana on the sidelines of NAM Summit.

Ahmadinejad, the first Iranian President to visit India after January 2003 when Mohammad Khatami was the Chief Guest for Republic Day, will also meet President Pratibha Patil [Images].

Notwithstanding the brief trip, the Indian government is keen to make a success of the visit during which the top leaders of the two countries will review the bilateral ties.

Image: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with MoS External Affairs E Ahmad on his arrival in New Delhi on Monday.
Text: PTI | Photograph: Subhav Shukla/PTI Photo