New Delhi, Apr 29 : President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is arriving here later this afternoon.

India and Iran will hold highest-level discussions, for the first time, on issues surrounding Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

During his brief stay, Ahmadinejad will call on President Pratibha Patil.

Besides, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Iranian counterpart will have discussions on a wide range of issues. During their meeting, the two leaders are expected to review bilateral ties, including the ambitious Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline, which has failed to take-off because of differences over cost factors.

They will also discuss the latest situation with regard to the stand-off between Iran and the West over Tehran's controversial nuclear programme. New Delhi has maintained that Tehran's nuclear issue cannot be resolved through coercion or force, but through dialogue.

New Delhi has also said that any wrong done to Iran would have direct bearing on India.

Ahmadinejad is visiting New Delhi en route to Sri Lanka. (ANI)