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Source: This post on the Challenges of India-Iran Bilateral Ties has been created based on the article “Iran, also ran: Jaishankar’s visit is useful” published in “Times of India” on 16th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood-relations.
News: The article discusses the challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties in context of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s recent Iran visit.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s recent meetings with the Iranian leadership indicate a willingness to revive India-Iran ties.
Challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties?
- India’s Support to US Sanctions on Iran: Bilateral ties deteriorated after India stopped Iranian oil imports following US exiting the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and imposing sanctions against Iran.
- China’s Expanding Presence: China deepened its ties with Iran by signing a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement. Beijing has also been buying Iranian oil.
- Changing Situation in Afghanistan: India relied on the working relationship between US and Iran to protect its Afghan strategic interests. However, souring of US-Iran ties and US withdrawal from Afghanistan has left India in a tight spot with respect to Afghanistan.
- India’s Ties with Sunni Arab Countries and Israel: Simultaneously, India’s improving ties with Arab nations and Israel (such as platforms like I2U2) is a challenge due to Shia Iran’s hostility to these countries.
- Geopolitical Balancing: India is caught between the Iran-Russia-China on one hand and the US-Israel-Arab partnership on the other hand. The Gaza conflict and the current situation with Houthi rebels in Yemen shows that the two groupings are still hostile.
What Should Be The Way Forward for Bilateral Relations?
Not Completely Abandoning Iran: According to the author, given the modernisation drive in Gulf Arab states, Israel’s economy and growing India-US strategic partnership, India’s interests lie with this grouping.
However, India should not completely isolate Iran. It should utilise the strategic need of Iran requiring India to balance China.
Focus on Connectivity: Cooperation regarding the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be undertaken.
Question for practice:
What are the challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties? How should India tackle these challenges?
