President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Monday that existing cooperation between Iran and India was not against development of other nations. He made the remarks during a meeting with new Indian Ambassador to Tehran Manbir Singh. Expansion and consolidation of ties with India is among the main principles of Iran`s foreign policy and there is no dispute between the two countries in terms of mutual interests, said the president. The Islamic Republic of Iran and India as standard bearers of the eastern civilization shoulder heavy responsibilities in the contemporary world, he said. Independence and authority are among outstanding characteristics of Iran and India, he said adding that the current situation has increased the expectations of the Iranian and Indian nations as well as other nations from both countries. Resisting the hegemonic policies of certain big powers at regional and international fora is vital, he said adding, ”Today, we need more than ever before the aspirations of the Non-Allied Movement and this prompts us to further broaden our relations.” Highlighting the two sides` historical and deeply-rooted ties, he called for expansion of economic, industrial and academic cooperation between the two countries. Laying pipelines for transfer of Iran`s gas to India via Pakistan would demonstrate the depth of friendship among the countries of the region, he said. ”We should exercise vigilance not to let some short-term interests affect the two nations` long-term interests,” the president said. Referring to the existing cultural commonalties between the two nations, Ahmadinejad said Tehran has always supported the rights and independence of New Delhi and expects that country to stand by Iran at international fora. The new Indian ambassador, while submitting his credentials to President Ahmadinejad conveyed the warmest greetings of the Indian president to him. He also voiced the willingness of top Indian officials as well as the country`s private sector to further broaden all-out ties with Iran. Referring to deeply-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two nations, he said that he would do his best to further expand ties between the two countries during his tenure. Extensive cooperation in energy, commerce and transit of goods would meet the two sides` interests as well as the whole region, he said adding that the two sides should take advantage of the existing capabilities. India is determined to implement the project on construction of gas pipeline from Iran, he said adding, ”the Islamic Republic of Iran is considered as among our most important trade partners and New Delhi welcomes expansion of cooperation in steel, auto making and pharmaceutical field.” India is aware of its heavy duty in dealing with regional and international issues, he said adding that the two countries would do their utmost to maintain peace and stability in the region.