India-Iran Partnership Strengthens Through Strategic Cooperation at BRICS Summit

Source: The post India-Iran partnership strengthens through strategic cooperation at BRICS summit has been created, based on the article “The BRICS summit boost to India-Iran ties” published in “The Hindu” on 4th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the recent meeting between India and Iran at the 16th BRICS Summit. Both countries aim to strengthen their partnership, focusing on issues like the Gaza conflict, energy supplies, and military cooperation. The meeting emphasizes their untapped potential for collaboration.

For detailed information on BRICS Plus Grouping- Significance and Challenges read this article here

What Was the Focus of the India-Iran Meeting at the BRICS Summit?

1. The India-Iran meeting at the BRICS Summit focused on strengthening bilateral relations.
2. Discussions highlighted India’s influence in global arenas, such as facilitating Iran’s entry into organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS in 2023.
3. Key areas for potential cooperation were also discussed, including the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
4. Iran’s President acknowledged India’s growing global role and its potential to aid in de-escalating the Gaza conflict, demonstrating the trust and diplomatic capital India holds in international matters.

Why Is Iran Important to India?

1. Energy Reserves: Iran holds 24% of West Asia’s oil reserves and 12% of the world’s natural gas reserves, vital for India’s energy security.
2. Oil Supplies: Before 2019, Iran met nearly 12% of India’s crude oil needs.

For detailed information on Challenges Between India and Iran Bilateral Ties read this article here

What Are the Key Areas of Cooperation?

1. Chabahar Port: India and Iran have a 10-year contract to operate this port, which provides a strategic trade route and helps in delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
2. Energy Supplies: Iran was a major oil supplier to India before sanctions. Discussions are ongoing about restarting oil and gas imports from Iran.
3. Military and Security: The potential for military cooperation and joint counterterrorism efforts are significant, especially given the common concerns about terrorism in the region.

How Can India and Iran Improve Their Relationship?

1. India’s ability to maintain independent relationships with countries that have conflicts with each other (like Iran and Israel) is key.
2. However, sensitive comments from leaders can sometimes hinder these ties.
3. Both nations aim to focus on their long-term partnership beyond occasional controversies.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s relationship with Iran can be strengthened through strategic areas of cooperation, as discussed at the BRICS Summit.