Answer

Introduction

India–Iran relations transcend conventional diplomacy, embodying a continuous civilisational dialogue rooted in shared Aryan origins, Rigvedic-Avestan parallels, and the “Sabk-e-Hendi” (Indian Style) of Persian literature. This timeless bond provides a reservoir of “strategic trust” that is essential for navigating the complexities of a multipolar world.

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Leveraging Civilisational Capital: Strategic Cooperation

• Strategic Autonomy Support: Shared anti-colonial histories and civilisational resilience allow both nations to resist external “bloc politics” while maintaining strategic autonomy.
  Eg: India and Iran’s partnership in BRICS and SCO serves as a “civilisational alternative” to Western-dominated global governance.
• Chabahar as a Bridge: Civilisational trust has enabled the 10-year contract (May 2024) for Shahid Beheshti Port, viewing it as a “connectivity bridge” rather than just a commercial project.
  Eg: A 43% increase in vessel traffic at Chabahar in 2024, highlighting its role as India’s gateway to Eurasia bypassing Pakistan.
• Regional Security Alignment: Convergence on a stable, “inclusive” Afghanistan and countering radicalisation is rooted in a shared Indo-Persian ethos of pluralism and peace.
• Maritime Domain Awareness: Ancient maritime links along the Makran coast facilitate modern cooperation in securing vital sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Leveraging Civilisational Capital: Economic Cooperation

• INSTC Operationalization: The International North-South Transport Corridor is reimagined as a “Modern Silk Road,” reviving ancient trade routes to Russia and Europe.
  Eg: INSTC reduces transit time by 40% and costs by 30% compared to the traditional Suez Canal route.
• Energy-Security Synergy: Iran’s vast hydrocarbon reserves and India’s growing demand create a natural “Civilisational Energy Loop” that survives short-term political shifts.
  Eg: Despite sanctions, both nations are exploring “Barter-like” mechanisms for fertilizers and petrochemicals.
• Service & Knowledge Exchange: Leveraging India’s IT prowess and Iran’s advancements in nanotechnology to move the relationship from “Oil to Innovation.”
  Eg: MoUs in biotechnology and traditional medicine (AYUSH), bridging the ancient wisdom of Unani and Ayurveda.
• Local Currency Trade: Historical familiarity with non-dollar trade (like the ancient bazaar systems) aids the transition to Rupee-Rial payment mechanisms.

Associated Concerns

• Sanction Constraints: The return of “Maximum Pressure” policies by the US threatens the financial viability of long-term projects like the Chabahar-Zahedan railway.
• Third-Party Influences: Deepening China-Iran ties (25-year strategic pact) and India’s growing proximity to the “I2U2” bloc (India, Israel, UAE, US) create diplomatic friction.
• Geopolitical Divergences: Iran’s support for non-state actors in the Red Sea conflicts with India’s “Indo-Pacific” commitment to maritime order.
• Project Inertia: Bureaucratic delays on both sides have historically led to “missed opportunities,” such as the exclusion of India from the Farzad-B gas field development.

Conclusion

The path ahead is to institutionalise civilisational capital through ANRF-led joint research and fast-track the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, while maintaining a calibrated balance in West Asia. Treating Iran as a Permanent Strategic Neighbour will secure India’s Eurasian interests and strengthen its Global South leadership.

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