News Highlights
In between irritants in India – Iran relation both countries foreign ministers met.
Areas of Focus
- The discussion focused on issues related to political , cultural , people – people ties.
- Both countries stressed for future cooperation.
- India appreciated Iran’s role in supplying Indian medical assistance to Afghanistan
- Both sides acknowledged the significance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity and reviewed the progress made at the Shahid Beheshti terminal, Chabahar port.
- The sides agreed that the Chabahar Port has provided much needed sea-access to landlocked Afghanistan and has also emerged as a commercial transit hub for the region, including for Central Asia.
A Journey Through India – Iran Relation
- India – Iran share common culture traces that travel through generations which include architecture , influencing on food etc.
Timeline of India Iran Relation
Areas Where Both Countries Joining Hands
- Political Relation
- In 2001 India – Iran signed the Tehran declaration for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
- The ‘Delhi Declaration,’in 2003 which outlined the countries’ defence and strategic alliance
- Economic Relation
- India’s trade connections with Iran have traditionally been dominated by Indian crude oil imports from Iran and India is the second largest buyer of crude oil from Iran after China.
- By aligning Iran India can reduce dependence on crude oil from Saudi Arabia and Iran oil is much cheaper.
- Indian companies have expressed an interest in investing up to $20 billion in Iran’s energy sector, including the construction of petrochemical and fertiliser plants in the Chabahar Special Economic Zone.
Chabahar Port
- Locate in South – East part of Iran in the Persian Gulf
- Only oceanic port in Iran
- What are the Significance of Chabahar Port
- Help to counter Chinese influence in the region
- Direct access to Central Asia by bypassing Pakistan which will help to secure India’s interest in the region.
- It will decrease India’s import cost
- It will help to boost India’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region
- It will help to coordinate humanitarian missions in the region.
- Challenges of Project
- US sanctions on Iran due to nuclear projects.
- Economic viability of the port is questionable due to the proximity of Gwadar port in Pakistan developed by China.
- Rise of Taliban in the region.
International North South Corridor
- A freight shipping, rail, and road route connecting India, Russia, Iran, Europe, and Central Asia.
- The goal is to provide the shortest multi-model transportation route between India and the United States.
- From the Atlantic Ocean to the Persian Gulf, via Iran and St. Petersburg, to the Caspian Sea.
- The corridor’s goal is to improve trade links between major cities including Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar Abbas, and Astrakhan.
- Defence Viewpoint
- Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State pose a threat to both India and Iran. As a result, counter-terrorism is necessary.
- Cultural Viewpoint
- Commons religious ethnicity – Shia muslims
- Presence of student exchange program
- Potential of tourism
Challenges in Relation
- The growing closeness between India and Sunni dominated powers of regions like Saudi Arabia and UAE.
- Iran is a partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Given that India has been vocal in its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, this could collide with India’s objectives in Iran.
- USA – Iran nuclear issue.
- Instability of region.
How to move forward?
- Maintain India’s strategic autonomy: It’s past time for India to align itself strategically with both countries on a need-by-need basis. India must take proactive initiatives in order to achieve this.
- Alternative payment mechanism: A short-term plan could include providing an alternative payment mode for Iran and encouraging investor flexibility.
- Having high-level discussions with the US about India’s security and geopolitical concerns with China.
- Tehran is focused on near-term changes in its neighbourhood, even as India strives to strike a balance with his professed desire to strengthen ties with both the US and Israel.
Pic Courtesy : Hindustan Times
Content Source: Indian Express