Answer

India and Iran have shared close historical, cultural, and economic ties that date back centuries. This relationship, marked by strong energy trade and strategic cooperation, has seen fluctuations, especially due to international sanctions and geopolitical challenges. However, recent meetings, including the 16th BRICS Summit in 2024, underline the potential for a reset in India-Iran relations, focusing on shared goals like regional stability, energy security, and economic prosperity.

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Historical Ties Shared Between India and Iran

• Ancient Cultural Connections: India and Iran have ancient cultural and civilizational ties, sharing linguistic, architectural, and religious influences over centuries.
  For example: Persian influence can be observed in Mughal architecture and Urdu language, reflecting a cultural exchange between the two regions.
• Silk Route Linkages: The Silk Route historically facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between India and Iran, fostering a deep-rooted bond.
  For example: Iranian merchants were active participants in the spice trade with India, bringing Persian art and culture to Indian courts.
• Shared Religious Heritage: Both countries have religious communities that share common roots, such as the Zoroastrians who migrated to India from Iran.
  For example: The Parsi community in India, originally from Iran, has preserved and enriched its heritage in India, contributing to cultural ties.
• Post-Colonial Diplomatic Relations: Post-independence, India and Iran established strong diplomatic relations, grounded in mutual respect and non-alignment principles.
  For example: During the Cold War, both nations often aligned on non-aligned policies, resisting superpower influence in the region.
• Shared Stance on Regional Stability: Historically, both nations have emphasised stability in the Middle East and South Asia, aligning on various international platforms.
  For example: India and Iran both supported the Bonn Agreement to establish peace in Afghanistan post-2001, highlighting a common approach to regional issues.

Achievements of India-Iran Relations

• Development of Chabahar Port: India’s involvement in Chabahar Port has provided a strategic route connecting India to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
  For example: The port allows India to transport humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, reinforcing India’s role in regional stability.
• Energy Trade Partnership: Until 2019, Iran was a major supplier of crude oil to India, helping secure India’s energy needs.
  For example: Before sanctions, Iran supplied nearly 12% of India’s oil imports, a testament to the strong energy trade relationship.
• Strategic Partnership in BRICS and SCO: Iran’s entry into BRICS and SCO with India’s support has strengthened bilateral cooperation on multilateral platforms.
  For example: India supported Iran’s bid for BRICS membership in 2023, expanding regional cooperation and diplomatic alignment.
• Collaborative Counterterrorism Efforts: Both nations recognize terrorism as a regional threat, with prospects of joint military cooperation and intelligence sharing.
  For example: Security agencies from both countries have exchanged information to counter cross-border terrorism, enhancing regional security.
• Joint Infrastructure Development Projects: India and Iran have collaborated on transport corridors like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), boosting trade potential.
  For example: The INSTC project connects India with Central Asia through Iran, facilitating more efficient trade routes and reducing shipping costs.

Challenges in India-Iran Relations

• Impact of International Sanctions: U.S. sanctions on Iran have hindered India’s ability to maintain energy imports and invest in Iranian projects.
  For instance: After the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, India had to halt oil imports from Iran to comply with sanctions.
• Geopolitical Constraints: India’s close ties with the U.S. and Israel sometimes create diplomatic tension with Iran.
  For instance: India’s growing relationship with Israel in defence and technology fields occasionally creates challenges in balancing relations with Iran.
• Security Concerns in the Region: Iran’s involvement in regional conflicts affects India’s security interests and its engagement strategy with Iran.
  For example: Iran’s role in Yemen’s conflict and support for certain groups in the Middle East complicate India’s approach to maintaining neutrality.
• Infrastructure Delays: Despite agreements, projects like Chabahar Port and INSTC have faced delays due to bureaucratic and political hurdles.
  For example: Delays in the Chabahar-Zahedan railway project have slowed India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, impacting regional connectivity.
• Economic and Political Volatility: Iran’s internal economic challenges and political shifts make long-term planning difficult for bilateral cooperation.
  For instance: Inflation and economic issues within Iran affect its ability to fund and maintain joint projects with India.

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Time is Ripe for a Reset in India-Iran Relations

• Geopolitical Shifts: Changes in the Middle East and West Asia create an opportunity for India to strengthen its ties with Iran to counterbalance regional powers.
  For example: Iran’s role in the BRICS Plus framework provides India a chance to engage Iran in a neutral multilateral platform.
• Energy Security Imperatives: As India’s energy demands grow, Iran’s vast oil and gas reserves could be crucial in diversifying India’s energy sources.
  For instance: Renewed oil imports from Iran can reduce India’s dependency on West Asian suppliers, strengthening energy security.
• Regional Connectivity Needs: The Chabahar Port and INSTC can help India expand its trade footprint in Central Asia and reduce reliance on Chinese infrastructure.
  For instance: India can leverage the INSTC route through Iran to enhance its connectivity with Europe, bypassing traditional routes.
• Shared Interests in Afghanistan: Both India and Iran have a stake in stabilising Afghanistan to prevent it from becoming a terrorist haven.
  For instance: Collaborative initiatives in Afghanistan’s reconstruction can bolster India-Iran cooperation in ensuring regional peace.
• Cultural Diplomacy Potential: Soft power initiatives through cultural exchanges can renew people-to-people ties and foster mutual trust.
  For example: Joint cultural festivals and exchanges in cinema and art could strengthen historical bonds between Indian and Iranian societies.

India and Iran’s historical, cultural, and strategic ties present numerous opportunities for a deeper and more resilient partnership. A balanced approach, considering the geopolitical landscape, can lead to mutual benefits in energy security, regional stability, and economic growth. To strengthen ties, enhancing cooperation through BRICS and SCO, and increasing investments in the Chabahar Port to boost regional connectivity is the way forward. Counterterrorism collaboration and cultural diplomacy, including language and educational exchanges, can further deepen mutual goodwill and security.

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