New Delhi, May 16 (IANS): India and Iran discussed ways to expand people-to-people contacts between the two countries through smoothening of visa-related processes including longer duration of e-visas, an official statement said on Thursday.

The discussions took place on Tuesday after the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

An External Affairs Ministry release said that the 11th Joint Consular Committee Meeting between India and Iran took place here in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. Amit Narang, Joint Secretary (CPV) led the Indian side, while the Iran delegation was led by Ali Asghar Mohammadi, Director General for Consular Affairs.

The two sides reviewed the status of ongoing cooperation in consular and visa-related issues and discussed ways "to further expand people-to-people contacts and promote friendly exchanges between India and Iran".

Both sides discussed issues of mutual interest including early conclusion of Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance on civil and commercial matters, extending longer duration of e-visa for each other nationals on reciprocity, visa facilitation for greater people-to- people contacts, the release said.