During a BJP foundation day event in Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari underscored India's historical and cultural ties with West Asia, particularly Iran. He shared insights from his discussions with Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who stated that the Persian language has its roots in Sanskrit. Gadkari highlighted that Iranian universities have established Sanskrit departments and a dedicated chair for the language, showcasing the deep cultural connections. His tenure as Union shipping minister involved multiple visits to Iran, where he oversaw the development of the Chabahar port, a strategic project aimed at enhancing trade routes. Gadkari reflected on the cultural continuum across regions historically linked by the Sindhu River, including modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and parts of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He also addressed social issues, advocating against caste discrimination and untouchability, emphasizing that individuals should be judged based on their qualities rather than caste or religion.